Burglars broke into a Marton sporting goods shop, stole six firearms from a display case and made their getaway in less than three minutes. Police fear the firearms have been stolen for serious criminal activity, such as an aggravated robbery. The burglary happened about 9.45pm on Tuesday, when the thieves broke inthrough sliding doors at Rangitikei Rods and Rifles in Broadway. The guns were chained and padlocked in a display case. They were cut free with bolt cutters. Stolen were: A Harrington and Richardson 20 gauge pump-action shotgun An Armed 12 gauge pump-action shotgun A Mauser 6.5x55 calibre high-powered bolt action rifle A Norinco JW105 bolt action .223 calibre rifle A Kral .177 air rifle A Gamo Shadow .177 air rifle with telescopic sight The thieves also stole a quantity of cash and two black nylon rifle carry bags.
Detective Constable Graham Perks said the break-in highlighted an opportunity to review tighter security around firearms. "[There is] maybe a need for locked steel cabinets for all firearms. This is a serious crime, especially as these firearms could have got into the wrong hands and be for criminal use like aggravated an aggravated robbery." Even though the shop had an alarm system which was activated there was no CCTV system installed, Mr Perks said. "These burglars got in and out in 2-3 minutes." Police are convinced the burglars knew exactly what they were doing.
The timing of the raid was surprising, Mr Perks said. "Because at that end of Broadway there would have been cars and pedestrians out and about. But someone must have seen something and there will also be someone out there who knows who is responsible." Mr Perks is convinced the firearms will be long gone from the Marton area. "They won't have stayed around here, they will have left town very fast." Shopowner Steve Hunt said he was shocked and very worried when the police contacted him on Tuesday night about the robbery. He dismissed the suggesiton from some people that the robbery could be linked to duck-shooting season. "I really don't think so." Anyone with information should call Detective Constable Graham Perks on (06) 327 6555.
