"Police investigating firearms theft warn collectors about suspicious phone calls"

Police investigating the theft of a number of high-powered firearms from the home of a Dargaville collector are warning fellow collectors to be wary of suspicious phone calls.

Detectives are aware of several recent occasions where gun enthusiasts/collectors/firearms holders have had phone calls which appear to be an attempt to identify whether or not they are at home.

These have included phone calls in which the caller hangs up without saying anything.

Investigations into the calls are continuing as part of the wider investigation into the firearms theft, and Police want to hear from anyone who has experienced something similar.

“We want to hear from any firearms holders in the Northland and Auckland areas who might have had the same thing happen to them, but thought nothing of it” says Detective Andrew Bailey, Dargaville Police.

“Establishing whether this has any link or not to the recent firearms theft in Dargaville is a priority for us, but as we continue our enquiry we are warning anyone with firearms to ensure they are stored securely.

That includes reviewing where you leave your keys to the gun safe, if someone breaks into your home they will have a good look for those keys; don’t make it easy for them” he says.

Police can now also confirm that no ammunition was stolen during the burglary on Tuesday 17 May and are appealing to any retailers of manufacturers of ammunition, to be wary of persons asking for ammunition for AK47 or 74 weapons.

“The guns stolen were AK74’s but the offenders may approach retailers or manufacturers looking for ammunition for AK47’s as they are similar, just a later model.

We need to hear about any of these approaches.

Again, we remind people that these guns are in the hands of criminals and we cannot deny the risk they continue to pose to the community whilst that is the case” says Detective Bailey.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Andy Bailey on 021 1915 765.

Information can also be given anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

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