Guns on street

By Bridget Brady
A FAMILY of five were forced to the ground and tied up by three thieves who broke into their house in Hampton Park last week and stole five handguns.
During what police described as a “horrific” ordeal, the offenders forced entry into the family’s house about 8.45pm on 3 June when a 47-year-old man was pushed to the ground and restrained when he answered a knock at the door.
The other two offenders bound and restrained the other family members, which included a 40 year-old female and three children aged between 11 and 15, police said.
Detective Acting Sergeant Mark Sims from Cranbourne police said the three burglars then searched the house and stole property including five licensed firearms and mobile phones. They left the house on foot, leaving the family tied up.
Det Acting Sgt Sims said the guns were kept at the house legally because a member of the family was involved in the Sporting Shooters Pistol Club in Springvale.
He said the family was not injured but suffered extreme emotional distress.
“It’s a horrific ordeal and they are very distressed as a result of it,” he said.
“Police are concerned and alarmed at this ferocious attack on a family in a quiet neighbourhood and the fact that there are now five pistols circulating the streets.”
Det Acting Sgt Sims said last year police came across similar invasions only three or four times.
“It’s something that isn’t normal for the area but there have been home invasions of this nature before, but it’s not something we come across as a daily or even weekly basis.”
Det Acting Sgt Sims said the best advice for people when faced with home invasions was to comply with the requests of the intruders.
“They complied with requests and it’s the best thing to do to avoid any serious injury.”
Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information in relation to the location of the firearms to contact Cranbourne police on 5991 0600 or CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.