Detectives in the Hunter Valley have taken the unusual step of releasing closed-circuit television footage related to a serious alleged theft, as they appeal for public help to identify more people involved. The incident, which saw firearms, tools, and building products stolen from a rural property, has already led to two arrests.
Strike Force Launched After Rural Break-In
On September 16, police were alerted to a break-in at a property in Blandford, a locality approximately 32 kilometres north of Scone. According to reports, a group of individuals entered the premises and made off with a cache of items, including building materials, various tools, and firearms.
In response to the brazen theft, the Hunter Valley Police District established Strike Force Sena to coordinate the investigation. The strike force's work has been ongoing, with detectives pursuing multiple lines of enquiry since the incident was first reported.
Search Warrants and Arrests Follow Investigation
The investigation progressed a month later, on October 15, when detectives executed a search warrant at a home on Satur Road in Scone. During this operation, police successfully located and seized a quantity of building supplies and tools, which are alleged to have been stolen from the Blandford property.
Subsequently, on November 18, a 40-year-old man already held at the Silverwater Correctional Complex in Sydney was charged with a series of offences. These charges include stealing a firearm or imitation firearm, stealing property in a dwelling, possessing an unauthorised firearm, and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime. The man faced Burwood Local Court the following day and is scheduled to appear in Newcastle Local Court on January 21.
A second person was arrested on December 9. A 29-year-old woman, also at Silverwater prison, was charged with possessing an unauthorised firearm and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime. She appeared in Burwood Local Court on December 10 and is likewise set to face Newcastle Local Court on January 21. Both individuals were refused bail.
CCTV Released in Bid for Community Assistance
Despite these arrests, investigators from Strike Force Sena believe more people were involved in the theft at Blandford. In a bid to generate new leads, police have now released CCTV footage captured during the incident.
The public release of the vision is a direct appeal to the community for information. Police are hoping that someone may recognise individuals or vehicles from the footage, which could lead to further arrests.
In a related development, the 78-year-old alleged owner of the stolen firearms has also been charged. He faces allegations of not preventing the theft or loss of a firearm and not keeping firearms safely. He is due to appear before Scone Local Court on January 14.
The case highlights ongoing police efforts to tackle serious property and firearms crime in the Hunter Valley region.
