Three men have been charged after 34 firearms were allegedly stolen in the state’s Illawarra region earlier this week.
On Tuesday 29 September 2026, officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police District commenced an investigation following a report of a break and enter at a property on Kanahooka Road, Kanahooka.
Police were told between 4pm Monday 28 September 2026 and 12.20pm Tuesday 29 September 2026, a group of unknown individuals allegedly entered the property and stole a number of items – including 34 firearms, ammunition, and jewellery – before leaving the scene.
A crime scene was established and detectives attached to Lake Illawarra Police District commenced an investigation into the incident under Strike Force Floren.
Following inquiries, on Thursday (1 October 2026), detectives – with assistance from the Lake Illawarra Proactive Crime Team, the Anti-Theft Unit, State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad, and the Southern Region Operational Support Group – executed search warrants at five homes located in Albion Park, Horsley, Dapto, Calderwood and Warrawong.
A 35-year-old man was arrested at the Albion Park address and taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station.
Three firearms and ammunition believed to be stolen were allegedly located and seized from the premises.
The 35-year-old was charged with eight offences,
- Aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence-in company- steal greater than $60,000,
- Possess unauthorised pistol (two counts),
- Possess unauthorised firearm,
- Possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, and
- Goods in personal custody suspected stolen (motor vehicle) (three counts).
At the Horsley address, a 46-year-old man was arrested and taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station.
During a search of the premises, police allegedly located and seized items believed to be used in the incident, and a small amount of illicit drugs.
The 46-year-old was charged with four offences,
- Aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence-in company- steal greater than $60,000,
- Knowingly deal with proceeds of crime,
- Acquire prohibited firearm-subject prohibition order, and
- Goods in personal custody suspected stolen (not motor vehicle/vessel).
A 47-year-old man was arrested at the Dapto address and taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station.
The 47-year-old was charged with aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence-in company- steal greater than $60,000 and acquire prohibited firearm-subject prohibition order.
All three men were refused bail and appeared before Bail Division Court 3 yesterday (Friday 2 October 2026) where they were formally refused bail with their next appearance at Wollongong Local Court on Wednesday 9 December 2026.
Inquiries are ongoing.
