South West Police revealed on Wednesday they have recovered a considerable amount of high-powered firearms recently stolen in a number of local burglaries.
Inspector Peter Morrisey said officers have seized more than 26 firearms in recent weeks which have been stolen across Bunbury and Australind. It is understood many were stolen from rural properties.
“The recovery of these firearms mostly comes as a result of burglary offences across the South West and as a direct result of community information,” he said.
“The information we received has allowed us to attend various locations to locate these firearms.”
Inspector Morrisey said as a result of the ongoing investigation a number of people are in custody and have been charged.
“A senior Outlaw Motorcycle Club member has been charged with possession of one of the handguns which is unlicensed,” he said.
“South West Police also have a significant person of interest in custody and we are currently gathering evidence that which may see him charged with a large amount of offences
Inspector Morrisey said stolen firearms often end up in the hands of people in the community police would least like to own the weapons.
“To stop those people who have nefarious intent in possession of high-powered firearms is a good job on our behalf and testament to the hard work of officers working on these investigation,” he said.
In January 2015, police also showed 13 illegal firearms they had seized.
Anyone with information about unlicensed or stolen firearms should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.