Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, November 30, 2023
Ongoing investigations into the theft of firearms from a Hamilton club led to the execution of three warrants in Hamilton yesterday, November 29, 2023.
Fourteen firearms and a “large amount” of ammunition were stolen from a Hamilton East rifle club at the end of October, with police scouting for information on the burglary from members of the public.
As per Police reports, power tools were used to break into a gun safe at a rifle club where 14 guns and “plenty of ammunition were stolen”.
Detective Senior Sergeant Terri Wilson had said in an initial statement that the items were taken from a secured safe.
“We understand the concern around events involving firearms. Police were treating this seriously and pursuing a number of leads to identify these offenders and locate the items they stole.”
How it unfolded
Waikato Police’s Tactical Crime Unit with assistance from Armed Offenders Squad executed warrants at three properties in Chartwell, Nawton and Whitiora on Wednesday afternoon.
A statement issued by the Police stated, “Residents of Whitiora may have noticed a Police presence this afternoon, while search warrants were executed at a residence. There is no danger to the public arising from this pre-planned operation.”
Police have already recovered eight of the stolen firearms, and on Wednesday located a further firearm stolen from the club along with a substantial amount of methamphetamine cannabis, and shotgun ammunition.
Three men aged 45, 35, and 26, have been arrested and are due to appear in Hamilton District Court today, November 30, 2023.
Detective Senior Sergeant Terri Wilson said, “Police are dedicated to seeing the return of these stolen firearms, which in the wrong hands will cause harm in our communities, and will work to hold all of those involved to account. We want to thank the public for their patience and reassure them there is no wider risk to the public”.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
