The weekend’s crash and carry robbery of a professionally constructed fire arm strong room, is dramatic evidence of the contempt New Zealand criminals hold for the law, said ACT justice spokesman Stephen Franks.

Most of the firearms stolen were being gathered for sale at an auction. All the victims were licenced gunowners, with one owner holding a firearm dealers licence.

“Such raids show criminals see their chances of being caught, convicted and given a decent sentence are laughable.

“The security precautions were extensive. The police were expressly aware of the situation and apparently held keys for access while the owners were absent.

“Nevertheless the criminals seem to have heard of the collection. They exercised extreme force to break into the safe.

“This incident is typical of armoury thefts. While they remain unafraid of the law criminals will continue to supply themselves with firearms irrespective of any licensing or registration systems with which the law abiding comply.

“These crimes highlight the need to restore respect for lawful authority with punishments that will ensure crime does not pay.

“The Governments proposed gun registration measures are a farce. They will achieve nothing more than to set ordinary law abiding citizens against the police and other authorities.

“Laws that do not target offenders simply play into the hands of criminals,” said Stephen Franks.

ENDS

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