Between 1.30pm and 5.30pm on 10/5/16 an Aggravated Burglary & Stealing occurred at West Launceston. 3 x offenders forced entry to a house and removed a gun safe. They also gained entry to a second firearms storage unit and forcefully removed firearms from where they were secured. In total 7 x firearms were stolen.

On the evening of 10/5/16 sixteen police from Launceston CIB and Launceston Uniform section conducted a series of searches in the suburb of Ravenswood. As a result of the searches a 32 year old man and a 38 year old man both from Ravenswood were arrested. One firearm, Cash & Drugs were recovered in the searches as well as other evidence relevant to the Aggravated Burglary.

Both males were charged with aggravated burglary, stealing firearms and one of the males was charged with breaching a firearms prohibition order. Both were detained to appear in Court

Launceston CIB are continuing to investigate and further charges are likely. The third offender is yet to be identified. Anyone who may have information to assist is asked to call Tasmania Police on 131444, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.