A man was arrested and six firearms were recovered in Orange on Thursday morning as part of a taskforce investigating firearm theft and break-ins at rural properties.
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A 51-year-old man was arrested at a Frost Street address at about 9am, stemming from an investigation by Strike Force Derra, which was formed in August 2018.
The man has been charged with illegally selling firearms, while a man arrested at the same time in Silverwater in Sydney was charged with six counts of breaking and entering, as well as nine other charges, mostly related to theft and illegal sale of guns.
MAP: The street where the man was arrested in Orange ...
Both men were refused bail in Orange and Parramatta respectively, and will face court on Friday.
A seizure of six longarms weapons, a firearm part and a large amount of ammunition tipped detectives off to illegal activity centred in Orange.
Investigators established that two of the weapons were stolen from a break-in at a property in Carcoar last December where thieves used a vehicle to rip out and steal a gun safe.
[Farmers] can also help fight this crime by ensuring their guns are secured according to the law, in gun safes that meet legal requirements.
- Superintendent Chris Taylor
Central West Police District Detective Inspect Bruce Grassick said the seven month investigation was an "extremely successful" result for police in taking illegal firearms out of circulation.
"Firearms in the wrong hands are a concern for the police and the broader community," he said.
"[The investigation] shows the collaboration between local area commands and rural crime investigators."
Detective Inspector Grassick said the crimes were "extremely serious" and believed properties had been targeted.
VIDEO: Watch as detectives arrest the man suspected of selling illegal firearms in Orange ...
"These offences carry significant penalties and significant jail time and we'll continue to strike blows against the strength of firearm theft," he said.
Central West Police District Commander Chris Taylor said police were still asking regional communities to come forward and report similar crimes as soon as they occur.
"If a member of the public is offered a firearm under illegal circumstances, contact police immediately," Superintendent Taylor said.
"Licensed farmers need their weapons, we understand and support that but they can also help fight this crime by ensuring their guns are secured according to the law, in gun safes that meet legal requirements."
Superintendent Taylor encouraged landowners to do all they could to prevent thieves targeting firearms, including limiting discussion about what guns they owned and where they were kept.
"Consider installing cameras and other security measures if you can to safeguard your properties and prevent theft," he said.
"If anyone has information about this type of crime, then please, tell us. We will act on that information and act, as we have in this case."
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