Police are concerned there could be 25 firearms in the wrong hands after nine properties were broken in to and 32 firearms stolen from rural properties in the South West and Southern Districts of WA.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dom Blackshaw said offenders were brazenly targeting rural properties by driving up to them and beeping their horn to see if anyone was home.
If the home was unoccupied the offenders would then force entry into the home and steal various items, particularly firearms.
Police have charged a 20 year old Mount Barker man with burglary and unlicensed possession of three or more firearms and he due to appear in the Albany Magistrates court in April.
A white late model Toyota Land Cruiser he was driving has also been seized from a farming property in Pingerup and been linked to other burglaries.
They are still looking for a dark late model Holden Commodore with a rear side bumper missing.
Since operation Babook began is February there have been 32 firearms stolen and seven recovered.
Video: See footage of some of the recovered firearms below
“The offenders were targeting firearms from the properties and we are keen now to get information from the public that may lead us to the other stolen firearms,” Snr Sgt Blackshaw said.
“We are also keen to learn who this particular person was that he was offending with, because we understand he wasn't acting alone he was with other people.”
The police would like to know if anyone has had a man, or men, turn up at their property that appeared suspicious.
He said rural properties have been targeted because most people would know that guns are being stored there.
Police would like to remind firearm owners to store their firearms in accordance with the WA Firearms Act and Regulations in approved storage at all times when not in use.
They advised people not to store keys to storage cabinets nearby or in places they can be easily accessed.
There were two tin money boxes recovered that are being used as evidence and police hope this will help lead them to the offenders.
Police are seeking information from the community that may assist them in identifying any other offenders and/or recovering any outstanding stolen firearms. Anyone who has any information that may assist police, is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
