Police were alerted to the theft of six pistols and four rifles from a Howard Springs residence yesterday. At about 3:45pm police received a phone call from a 45-year-old female occupant, reporting the unlawful entry and theft.

It appears the offenders forced entry to the property between 8.30am and 3.30pm yesterday through a rear laundry door, before making their way into the main bedroom and smashing open a secure wardrobe. A silver safe containing six pistols and a black safe containing four rifles were removed from the wardrobe; an unknown amount of ammunition was also stolen from the premises.

The complainant's husband is a member of a number of sporting firearm clubs in the Top End.

The fire arms are described as:

Remington .45 semi automatic pistol S/N 1380257
Walther P -38 semi automatic pistol S/N 13861
Walther P -38 semi automatic pistol (military design) S/N 40815
Luger 9mm semi automatic pistol S/N 96360
Browning 9mm semi automatic pistol S/N E09293
Colt .45 semi automatic pistol S/N W960137
Lithgow .22 long rifle S/N 32165
Winchester pump action .22 cal rifle S/N 430339
Enfield 30.06 bolt action rifle S/N 547144
Musgrave .308 bolt action rifle S/N 966468

Members from the Commanders Tactical Team and Forensics attended the scene and conducted searches of the yard and surrounding areas.

Senior Sergeant Jeff Mosel says "This is an extremely serious matter. Police are very keen to retrieve these firearms and are working with the firearm clubs and gun shops in the course of their investigation."

Police are urging any one who may have further information in relation to the incident or may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the Howard Springs area between 8.30am and 3.30pm yesterday, to contact them on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, www.crimestoppers.com.au/.


Media Contact:
Rickie Scoot
8922 3185