Police are appealing for information following the alleged theft of 27 handguns from a museum in New South Wales’ Central West.
Officers were called to the Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum at about 3.30am on August 25 following reports of a break and enter.
It’s alleged three people were wearing balaclavas and stole the weapons worth an estimated $200,000.
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The three people left the museum in a silver Toyota Landcruiser, believed to have been stolen two days earlier from Nowra.
It was found burnt out in Bathurst a short while later.
There are fears that the handguns could be made operational.
Drug and Firearms Squad commander, detective superintendent John Watson, said there were concerns the firearms could be in the Nowra, Lithgow, and 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,” he said.
“We are especially concerned about these firearms being in the hands of criminals in Nowra, Lithgow and all the communities between.
“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.”
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the website.