Detective Sergeant Chris Asenjo, of the Warrnambool police crime investigation unit, said information provided to police led to the guns being seized.

“Investigations are continuing but so far it’s a very pleasing result,” he said.

“There were five firearms recovered in this investigation and four last Thursday in a separate operation.

“The community can have confidence that police are doing everything in our power to reduce the impact of serious offending but we need the assistance of the public.”

Detective Sergeant Asenjo requested anyone with information about crime to contact their local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Sunday, 4pm: Guns and ammunition were stolen and businesses ransacked during separate burglaries in Warrnambool at the weekend.

Four rifles, a shotgun and ammunition were stolen when a gun safe bolted to the garage wall of a Whites Road property was pulled from its mountings during a break-in about 5am Sunday. 

Two Lava Street businesses were also broken into and ransacked overnight Saturday.

Leading Senior Constable Steve Cuomo said the offenders smashed the glass door of the Tobacconist Gift and Accessories shop in Lava Street using a metal bolt and stole cigarettes, lighters and jewellery. 

He said the offenders ransacked every drawer and cabinet before using a knife from the kitchen to jemmy open the door to the neighbouring business, Italktravel. “They’ve gone to town and emptied everything and made an absolute mess,” Leading Senior Constable Cuomo said.

He said the offenders forced open a small safe which may have contained a float. “With the disaster that they’ve had in there, she couldn’t tell what was stolen.”

Detective Leading Senior Constable Peter Wellington, of the Crime Investigation Unit, said the theft of guns and ammunition – which were stored correctly - was concerning. He said the offenders broke in through a window in the locked shed and also stole tools and attempted to take a motorbike.

Police were called after a friend arriving at the property noticed a car leaving the scene.