General duties officers will be assisted by specialist police from the Firearms Registry, Rural Crime Prevention Team, the Drug and Firearms Squad and the Criminal Groups Squad's Strike Force Raptor as part of Operation Armour.

Police will be conducting Firearms Prohibition Orders and Weapons Prohibition Orders, as well as safe storage inspections.

The operation will focus on preventing, disrupting and reducing firearm thefts.

The theft and sale of firearms is occurring often in regional areas, according to Regional NSW Field Operations Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys APM.

"Firearms that are not stored securely or stored at locations that are not in daily or even regular use, make easy opportunities for thieves during break and enters," Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.

"When in the wrong hands, firearms are dangerous and a threat to the community."

The police understands that people in rural communities hold firearms for legitimate reasons but that safe storage procedures need to be followed, said Western Region Commander Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie APM.

"People are reminded that there are hefty penalties for those who possess unregistered or illicit firearms," Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said

For more information about responsibilities as a firearms owner including licences, permits, sale, purchase and safe storage can be found on the Firearms Registry page available on the NSW Police website.