Stolen guns in hands of criminals

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• Shot guns taken in brazen theft

AN ARSENAL of stolen guns is in the hands of criminals and could soon be on sale to the highest bidder on the Fraser Coast.

Six guns were stolen in the early hours of yesterday morning along with a car belonging to the guns’ registered owner, who was preparing to transport them to a gun dealer in Brisbane.

The weapons were locked in secure receptacles inside the car and were not visible, a police spokesman said.

The missing weapons join those stolen when a firearm safe was torn from a Dundowran home on Friday night during a break-in.

The thought of the weapons finding their way on to the black market is of grave concern to police.

The missing firearms include shotguns, bolt action rifles and hand guns.

In a year marked by violent crime, fears are growing that the next one could include a stolen gun.

Hervey Bay police yesterday turned their attention to trying to find the gold-coloured Nissan Patrol stolen in the early hours of the morning.

The Nissan was reported stolen from outside the Golden Sands Motor Inn, in Pialba, at 4.50am.

It is unclear if those responsible for the theft of the car knew it contained the weapons.

A CIB spokesman said the car and gun theft in Pialba was not thought to be related to Friday’s Pialba-Burrum Heads Rd heist.

In that burglary a safe containing cash was stolen along with the rifles and shotguns.

So far this year, violent offences on the Fraser Coast have involved unarmed attacks, knives and offenders intimating they held a gun without ever showing it.

Anyone with information can telephone their local police station or appear in person at the station.

Alternatively telephone Crime Stoppers, anonymously if you wish, on 1800 333 000.