POLICE are alarmed by the theft of four firearms from a house at Tyrendarra on Thursday and have called for information from the public to help nab the culprits.
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A locked safe containing three .22 calibre rifles and one shotgun was removed from the farming property on School Road.
Ammunition was also stolen from the safe.
The theft was reported to police about 7.30pm by the house’s occupants when they returned home.
“Unfortunately the safe was unsecured,” Sergeant Ray Hastings of Portland police told The Standard. “Any theft of firearms is alarming.
“It is a secluded area. Anyone with information relating to the crime is asked to contact Portland police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
Police said there was a sighting of a suspect on Friday night, but a search failed to find him.
They said there were no fears for public safety but they were very keen to arrest and question the man.
Several firearm thefts were reported across south-west Victoria last year and there was speculation the thefts could be linked to outlaw motorcycle gangs.