13 September 2007
A Coromandel gun collector who told Police over 120 firearms had been stolen from his home near Hot Water Beach was arrested by Waikato Police this morning.
The 43-year-old man faces charges related to firearms offences and making a false statement to Police.
The collector told Police his collection of restricted weapons, including 113 pistols, two military style semi-automatic rifles and six sub-machine guns had been stolen in a burglary of his home on 28 July.
The officer in charge of Operation Might, Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Nicholls, said the investigative team had carried out extensive enquiries with the assistance of forensic scientists and a firearms expert.
"It is a huge concern that these firearms are out in the public domain, possibly in the hands of the criminal fraternity," he said.
"I appeal to anyone in possession of a firearm from this collector to contact Police. We're offering an amnesty from prosecution to anyone who surrenders firearms sourced from this man, until 30 September."
Anyone in possession of these firearms is asked to contact their local Police station to arrange surrender of the guns under the amnesty.
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