Detectives attached to WA Police Force’s Taskforce Newstead, investigating the kidnapping of an 81-year-old man and the theft of a large number of firearms from a firearms store in Beckenham on Wednesday 4 September 2019, have recovered a significant amount of firearms and arrested several people.
Yesterday, Monday 9 September 2019, Taskforce Newstead detectives, with the assistance of several specialist units including the Tactical Response Group, executed search warrants at residences in Seville Grove, Cloverdale, Wilson, Malaga and Midland, and at a storage unit in Forrestdale.
The vehicle involved in the incident was located at the search warrant in Manning Road, Wilson, and the firearms were recovered from the storage unit on Eddison Circuit, Forrestdale (pictured).
Deputy Commissioner Col BLANCH said the officers attached to Taskforce Newstead worked tirelessly over the last week to identify those involved and recover the firearms before they could make it onto the black market.
“The recovery of the stolen firearms has been a high priority for WA Police Force. It was only a matter of time before the firearms would have made it onto the black market and into the hands of people who could have caused great harm to the community.
“This investigation has involved many specialist areas of WA Police Force, and that investigation was greatly assisted by the community, who provided information that helped identify the vehicle of interest and possible suspects. I thank those members of the community who contacted Crime Stoppers and can advise those people they played a very important role in this investigation.
“The media has played an important role by keeping our appeal for information prominent, and I thank them for their contribution.
“The investigation is still ongoing as Taskforce Newstead works to establish whether a broader criminal syndicate was involved.
“Lastly, it is important we don’t forget the victim in this matter – an 81-year-old man who was going about his own lawful business. Barry had done everything he could to secure his store, and has assisted WA Police Force throughout this investigation. His ability to remain calm in what would have been a terrifying ordeal is a credit to him, and I thank him for the way in which he has worked with our detectives to progress this investigation.”
A 23-year-old man from Seville Grove, who was arrested near the storage unit in Forrestdale, remains in custody. He has been charged with Deprivation of Liberty, Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Burglary, and Stealing. He was refused bail and it is expected he will appear in the Perth Magistrates Court this afternoon, Tuesday 10 September 2019.
Other persons arrested during the series of search warrants have been released, pending further investigation.
The investigation is ongoing
