LOCAL gun owners are being urged to remain vigilant, following the theft of six rifles from a property in Berry.
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The offenders gained access into a fixed steel safe, housing the firearm collection, prior to Sunday when the firearms were reported missing to police.
The recent break and enter follows a number of thefts in the Shoalhaven relating to licensed gun owners’ premises.
Inspector Steve Johnson from Nowra Police Station believes the robberies are not the result of targeted attacks but rather opportunistic thieves.
“Shoalhaven Local Area Command is investigating a number of incidents where firearms have been stolen from licensed holder premises during break and enters,” Insp Johnson said.
“Recently we recovered one of the firearms in regards to a break and enter and that person was charged.
“One male was found in possession of the stolen firearm and our investigations are ongoing into the other incidents.”
According to a report published by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research in December 2014, over 600 guns were reported stolen in NSW for the previous 12-month period.
Prohibited and regulated weapons offences rose 20.2 per cent state-wide, from 9705 to 11,669 reported cases from January 2013 to December 2014.
In NSW, 80 per cent of firearms stolen are from residential dwellings, with properties in rural areas predominantly the target of these crimes.
“It is possible the rifles may be used for other criminal offences. We’ll pick up serial numbers if they are,” Insp Johnson said.
“We don’t want these firearms in the wrong hands.
“We really want to hear from any member of the community who may have any information to come forward and report to Crime Stoppers.”
It is a condition of a licence that an inspection of the storage facilities for the firearms by police be conducted.
Following a wave of crime involving the theft of guns from properties all over the state earlier this month, police were advising gun owners to ensure their safes were compliant with state laws and to beef up their security.
Wayne Fitzsimmons from Shoalhaven Shooting Supplies said licensed firearm owners should remain alert.
“One thing they often forget is to keep an eye on their mail and lock their letterbox,” Mr Fitzsimmons said.
“Firearm mail may be monitored and that can possibly get into the wrong hands.
“It’s the responsibility of the licensee to keep the weapons secure. You are always going to get people doing the wrong thing.”
Anyone who may have any information regarding these crimes are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
