newy.com.au – Police are appealing for public help to recover four firearms still missing after five registered guns were stolen from a Mayfield home during a break and enter last month.
Detectives from Newcastle City Police District began investigating after the firearms were stolen from a home on Rawson Street between Saturday, March 7, and Monday, March 23. The investigation is continuing under Strike Force Portale.
As part of their inquiries, police executed a search warrant at a Waratah West home on Friday, April 10. During the search, officers allegedly found and seized several items of interest, including a spear gun, knives, four gel blaster firearms and one of the firearms stolen from the Mayfield address, an Omark 7.62mm calibre rifle.
A 32-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Waratah Police Station, where he was charged with 11 offences. The charges include five counts of possessing an unauthorised firearm, two counts of possessing or using a prohibited weapon without a permit, possessing ammunition without holding a licence, permit or authority, using, supplying, acquiring or possessing a stolen firearm or part, receiving property stolen in connection with a serious indictable offence, and being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence.
Police refused the man bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 on Saturday, April 11. He was granted conditional bail and is next due to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday, May 6.
Detectives are continuing their investigation and are seeking assistance from the public to recover the remaining stolen firearms.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au, quoting reference E103451718. Information can be provided anonymously and is managed confidentially.
