Members of the Forest Hill Major and Organised Crime Squad (Rural) in collaboration with the St George Criminal Investigation Branch have arrested three people following the alleged theft of nine rifles in January, Queensland Police say.
It will be alleged that on January 26 a property on Powrunna Road at St George was allegedly broken into and the firearms stolen from a locked gun safe.
Police yesterday arrested a 17-year-old boy, an 18-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman from Mount Tarampa in relation to the incident.
They have been charged with burglary and commit indictable offence, stealing firearms and possessing/acquiring restricted items.
The trio has also been charged with allegedly stealing diesel fuel from a neighbouring property on the same night.
Detective Inspector Mick Dowie from the Major and Organised Crime Squad (Rural) said police are relieved the firearms have been recovered, removing potential for them to fall into the hands of criminals.
"The investigation forms part of Operation Quebec Camouflage targeting firearms offences and recovery during February 2018," Detective Inspector Dowie said.
"These arrests highlight the success that can be achieved by community members working with police to solve such crimes," he said.
"We acknowledge firearms are an essential tool for farmers who are in the main very responsible and law abiding weapons owners and users.
"We urge farmers to be extremely vigilant in their security of their weapons, report any suspicious activity such as trespassing on rural properties and to watch out for their neighbours properties."
Police are urging rural residents to report any suspicious activity to Policelink, Crime Stoppers or by using the Policelink ‘Stock and rural crime’ App where you can send photos or make a report direct from your mobile phone to MOCS Rural.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
