Three men steal 27 rare weapons from Lithgow museum in August

On August 25, 27 rare weapons were stolen from the Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum in New South Wales. The theft occurred early in the morning, leading to a police investigation that resulted in the arrest of three men aged 46, 41, and 27. During police raids, authorities recovered 13 of the stolen firearms, along with other items including a BMW X5, cash, and drugs. The recovered weapons had been rendered inoperable by the museum, but the suspects allegedly intended to restore them for sale. The men faced multiple charges, including aggravated break and enter and participation in a criminal group. They appeared in court and were denied bail. The police believe that the remaining 14 stolen firearms may have been sold to unsuspecting members of the public. Detective Superintendent John Watson emphasized the importance of returning these firearms, as there is currently an amnesty in place for unregistered and prohibited firearms in New South Wales. Kerry Guerin from the museum urged anyone in possession of the stolen weapons to return them, highlighting their historical significance. The museum, which opened in 1998, is community-owned and relies on public support for its operations. The recovered firearms will undergo forensic examination before being returned to the museum, allowing it to continue its mission of educating the public about the history of firearms. The incident raises concerns about the security of historical artifacts and the potential for illegal firearms to enter the market. Authorities are working diligently to recover all stolen items and ensure that the museum can preserve its heritage for future generations.