Tasmania Police has made multiple arrests as investigations continue into the burglary of a property at Tea Tree in which rifles, shotguns and a quantity of ammunition were stolen.
Eight people, ranging in ages from 17 to 26, have been charged with alleged offences relating to the burglary, which was reported to police on Wednesday morning.
Detectives from Bridgewater Criminal Investigation Branch, with the assistance of officers from Glenorchy CIB, Southeast CIB, Operation Saturate, Glenorchy and Bridgewater uniform divisions, plus specialist resources, conducted a series of searches of houses and vehicles in greater Hobart on Wednesday.
Residential properties at Granton, Glenorchy, Gagebrook and Bridgewater were identified.
Following prompt action by police, three alleged offenders in relation to the burglary have been arrested and charged:
• A 23-year-old Gagebrook man has been detained and is charged with stealing; burglary; possess a firearm when not the holder of a firearm licence of the appropriate category; possess ammunition when not the holder of an appropriate firearm licence; possess a firearm to which a firearms licence may not be issued (slam gun); possession of stolen firearms.
• A 20-year-old Austins Ferry man has been detained and is charged with stealing; burglary; possession of stolen firearms; possess ammunition when not the holder of an appropriate firearm licence; possess a firearm when not the holder of a firearm licence of the appropriate category; recklessly discharge a firearm.
• A 17-year-old boy from Gagebrook has been arrested and charged with stealing; burglary; possession of stolen firearms; possess a firearm when not the holder of a firearm licence of the appropriate category; possess ammunition when not the holder of an appropriate firearm licence. He was granted bail to appear in court later.
After further investigations on Wednesday, police also charged five people - a 26-year-old Bridgewater man, a 26-year-old Bridgewater woman, an 18-year-old Granton woman, an 18-year-old Glenorchy woman and a 21-year-old Bridgewater man – with a range of alleged offences.
These charges include stealing, possession of stolen firearms, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition without an appropriate licence.
The two men from Bridgewater have also been charged with drug trafficking.
Police remain committed to removing illegal firearms from the community and are calling for information on the burglary.
If anyone has information regarding the incident or is approached by someone attempting to sell or dispose of firearms, please contact police on 131 444.
Information can also be supplied anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au
