AT LEAST nine firearms have been stolen from properties in the New England and North West in the past week.
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The latest was stolen when thieves broke into a property on Gwydir Rd, Torryburn, between Saturday, July 12 and Friday, July 18.
One firearm, ammunition and other items were stolen from a shed on the property about 50km west of Armidale.
Police were called and officers attached to Guyra and Uralla police stations are investigating.
This comes after four firearms were stolen from a property on Betts Ln at Moonbi last week and four guns were stolen from Gunnedah during a break-in also last week.
Oxley crime manager Inspector Phil O’Reilly said police were concerned that stolen guns could be used to commit other crimes.
With this spate of thefts, police have warned gun owners to ensure their firearms are secured and to store them safely at their primary address, rather than unoccupied premises. “I would urge any licensed holders who have firearms stored in unoccupied premises to think very carefully about whether that is a safe storage location,” Inspector O’Reilly said.
Many of the firearms have been stolen from properties that were not occupied at the time.
Police are urging anyone with information about these incidents to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page www1.police.nsw.gov.au