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Thieves have stolen more than 27 handguns in an early morning ransacking of the Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum in NSW.
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NSW Police were called to the Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum on Methven Street, Lithgow, about 3.30am on Sunday, 25 August 2024, following reports of a break and enter.
Officers attached to Chifley Police District arrived and were told three people had broken into the museum and stolen a number of high-value firearms before leaving in a silver Toyota Landcruiser. They were described only as being dressed in black clothing with their faces covered.
About 5.25am the same day, police were called to Stockland Drive, Bathurst, where they found the Landcruiser on fire. The vehicle, which is believed to have been stolen from Nowra on Friday, 23 August 2024, was destroyed.
A crime scene was established at both locations and detectives attached to State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad established Strike Force Ajo to investigate the incident.
Drug and Firearms Squad detectives are now appealing for information to find 27 handguns stolen from the Central West museum.
“Detectives have been told the handguns, which are worth more than $200,000, could be made operational,” the NSW Police said in a statement.
The museum contains defence industry memorabilia and several hundred firearms including handguns, submachine guns, rifles and machineguns, many of which were originally produced for military use.
Drug and Firearms Squad commander Detective Superintendent John Watson said there are real concerns the firearms could be in Nowra, Lithgow and the wider communities.
“This crime has links to multiple regions of the state so there are real concerns these firearms could also be spread across NSW.
“We are especially concerned about these firearms being in the hands of criminals in Nowra, Lithgow and all the communities between,” Superintendent Watson said.
“Stolen firearms are a common currency within organised crime networks, which is why we are asking the community to help us find these firearms and identify those involved in their theft.”
As investigations continue, detectives are urging anyone with dashcam or CCTV vision of the Toyota Landcruiser, or information about the incident to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
