Three Men Charged in Connection to Lithgow Museum Gun Theft
Detectives have charged three men following the alleged theft of 27 guns during a break-in at the Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum last week. The police were alerted to the incident at 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 25, 2024, when it was reported that three individuals broke into the museum and made off with a number of high-value firearms, fleeing in a silver Toyota Landcruiser.
In a coordinated effort, Strike Force Ajo detectives, with support from the Raptor Squad, conducted multiple search warrants early on Thursday, September 5, 2024. The operations took place in Vincentia, Nowra, Darbys Falls, and Sanctuary Point, leading to the recovery of 13 of the 27 allegedly stolen firearms. In addition, a shortened shotgun, a BMW X5, seven NSW vehicle registration plates, ammunition, $3,500 in cash, electronic devices, and small amounts of methamphetamine and cannabis were seized.
The recovered firearms will undergo forensic examination before being returned to the museum. Investigations under Strike Force Ajo are ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
