Detective Sergeant Andrew Raven, of the Warrnambool police crime investigation unit, said a joint operation between Warrnambool police and members of the Victoria Police special operations group (SOG) was launched after the theft of a shotgun and rifle from a Naringal property last Saturday afternoon.

SOG officers used an armoured vehicle during the arrest of three offenders at a BP service station in west Warrnambool mid-afternoon on Thursday.

Jackson Fary, 29, of Zeigler Parade, Allansford, appeared in Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Friday charged with burglary and theft. He did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody until October 4.

Lawyer Jack Rabl said Mr Fary had never been in custody and was therefore vulnerable. He said custody management issues included his client taking medication for asthma and gout.

Louise Gavin, 36, of McGregors Road, also appeared in court charged with trafficking and possessing methamphetamine, theft from shop, handling stolen goods and obtaining property by deception. The majority of those charges stem from unrelated offending.

Ms Gavin sobbed in the dock and did not apply for bail. She was remanded in custody until August 26.

Todd Smedts, 31, of McConnell Street, refused to attend court and was remanded to appear on October 4.

He faces charges of burglary, theft, theft of a motor vehicle, trafficking methamphetamine, dealing with suspected proceeds of crime and possessing firearms as a prohibited person.

The court heard he was withdrawing from heroin and had injuries to his shoulder, ribs and hand.

Two other men were arrested but released from custody.

Detective Sergeant Raven said as it was a high-risk operation focused on the theft of the firearms, it required the involvement of Victoria Police special operations group officers and armed crime squad members.

"We are delighted that these arrests have been made. It was an excellent result all round," he said.

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