Three Nowra men nabbed over $200,000 worth of guns stolen from Lithgow museum

Three men have faced court today over the thefts of 27 guns worth more than $200,000 from a Lithgow museum after co-ordinated raids on properties on the NSW South Coast.

Three man have been nabbed for allegedly stealing 27 guns worth more than $200,000 during a break in at a museum in Lithgow.

In a co-ordinated raid on four South Coast properties this week, police investigating the theft recovered most of the weapons and also will allege they seized a shortened shotgun, a BMW X5, seven NSW vehicle registration plates, shotgun ammunition, $3,500 cash, electronic devices and small amounts of methamphetamine and cannabis.

Police were called to the Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum on Methven Street about 3.30am on Sunday, August 25, following reports of a break and enter.

Officers at the scene were told three people broke into the museum and stole a number of high-value firearms before leaving in a silver Toyota Landcruiser.

About two hours later police were called to Stockland Drive, Bathurst, where they found the Landcruiser on fire.

The vehicle, which is believed to have been stolen from Nowra two days earlier was destroyed.

Detectives have charged three men for their roles in the alleged theft of 27 guns. Picture: NSW Police

Police arrest a man over the theft of 27 handguns stolen from a Lithgow museum. Three men are due to appear in court on Friday. Picture: NSW Police

A crime scene was established at both locations and detectives attached to State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad – with assistance from officers attached to Chifley Police District and South Coast Police District – established Strike Force Ajo to investigate the incident.

Detectives were told the handguns – which are worth more than $200,000 – could be made operational.

Following extensive investigations and a public appeal for information, strike force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad – executed multiple search warrants in Vincentia, Nowra, Darby Falls and Sanctuary Point about 6am on Thursday.

During the searches, detectives also located and seized 13 of the 27 allegedly stolen firearms, as well as the car, ammunition and cash and drugs.

The firearms will undergo forensic examination as part of the investigation before being returned to the Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum.

Police arrest three men over the theft of guns from Lithgow. They are due to appear in Nowra Local Court on Friday over a range of offences. Picture: NSW Police

Following the searches, strike force detectives arrested Ronald Sando, 46, Cameron Fisher-Brown, 27, at a South Nowra service station, and Daniel Turner, 41, at a Sanctuary Point home, before taking them all to Nowra Police Station.

Sando and Fisher-Brownwere charged with two counts of aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence, while Turner was charged with aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity and steal motor vehicle.

They were all refused bail and appeared before Nowra Local Court today, where each of their cases were adjourned to November 1 at the same court.

The trio will appear via video link from custody.

Detective Superintendent John Watson, Commander of Drug and Firearms Squad, said he is incredibly pleased with the results of the investigation and that the goal of police now is to return the stolen firearms back to the museum.

Police have recovered many of the 27 handguns stolen from Lithgow. Picture: NSW Police

“Detectives have done a great job locating these stolen firearms; however, there are still 14 firearms outstanding.

“We believe these firearms may have been sold to members of the public who aren’t aware they are stolen. Due to this, we are asking those members of the public to return these firearms as quickly as they can.” Det Supt John Watson said.

“NSW currently has an amnesty in place for unregistered and prohibited firearms meaning you will not be prosecuted for returning these firearms to a registered firearms dealer or Police Station.

“Detectives are working hard to return the firearms we did seize to the museum with the hope the public can continue to visit and learn about the history of these handguns,” Det Supt John Watson said.

Investigations under Strike Force Ajo continue.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers:

Hand guns stolen from a Lithgow Museum. picture: NSW Police

Strike Force Ajo detectives charge three Nowra men over the alleged theft of 27 handguns. Picture: NSW Police