Firearms stolen in Saintfield burglary

Firearms stolen in Saintfield burglary

27 March 2013

THREE legally held firearms have been stolen from a house in Saintfield.

Two shotguns and an air rifle were stolen during a burglary at Greens Road on Wednesday morning, between 10 and 11am.

Also stolen were jewellery a laptop and a television along with a Honda scrambler motorbike which was taken from an outbuilding.

The theft of the weapons has prompted police in Downpatrick to warn owners of legally held firearms and ammunition to help prevent such items being stolen.

“It is the responsibility of all owners of legally held firearms and ammunition to ensure such items are stored safely,” said a PSNI spokeswoman.

“Owners should secure all their firearms and ammunition in approved gun cabinets that have been manufactured to the correct standard. The cabinet should be secured to the fabric of the building.

“Considerable thought also needs to be given to the appropriateness of its location. Those with hold bolt-action rifles should store the bolt separately. For added security, rooms where firearms are being stored could also be fitted with alarm sensors.

“Keys to gun cabinets should also be kept in a secure place with access limited to authorised persons, without a label, and away from the cabinet,” she added.

Anyone who witnessed any unusual activity in the area on Wednesday or has been approached to purchase these items from an unusual source is asked to contact detectives at Downpatrick on 0845 600 8000.  Alternatively people can contact the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.