Detectives have issued a number of Firearm Prohibition Orders as part of an operation to disrupt and deter illicit firearm use linked to the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) across the state.

Police carried out searches at twelve addresses on Wednesday 19 January, including properties at Lilydale, Kilsyth, Point Cook, Elsternwick, Tarneit, Lockwood, Huntly, North Bendigo, North Shore, Breakwater, Lara and Norlane.

Ten FPOs were issued and one compliance search conducted on persons who are known members of the Rebels OMCG including:

• A 29-year-old man from Lilydale

• A 30-year-old man from Point Cook

• A 30-year-old man from Elsternwick

• A 31-year-old man from Tarneit

• A 51-year-old man from Lockwood

• A 33-year-old man from Huntly

• A 28-year-old man from North Bendigo

• A 40-year-old man from North Shore

• A 36-year-old man from Breakwater

• A 27-year-old man from Lara

• A 48-year-old man from Norlane

The 33-year-old Huntly man was also arrested for unrelated arson offences and will now be interviewed by police.

Police also seized drugs, ammunition, six imitation firearms (gel blaster) and firearm parts from the North Bendigo property.

A number of registered firearms will also be seized from the Norlane and Lara addresses as part of the conditions of the FPO.


The operation targeting patched members and their associates involved detectives from the Echo Taskforce, Gang Crime Squad, Arson and Explosives Squad, Armed Crime Squad, Vehicle Crime Squad, Western Region Crime Squad, North West Metro Crime Squad, Southern Metro Frontline Tactical Unit, Geelong Crime Investigation Unit, Bendigo Divisional Response Unit, Illicit Firearms Squad and Dog Squad, as well as the AFP National Anti-Gangs Squad.

Firearm Prohibition Orders are a legislative provision that give police specific powers to proactively respond to, disrupt and prevent firearm-related crime in Victoria and keep the community safe.

Once issued, an FPO remains in effect for 10 years for adults and five years for children between 14 and 17 years of age.

During that time, the individual is prohibited from acquiring, possessing, carrying or using any firearm related item such as ammunition.