Gun theft victim's anger at 'inaction' (From Stroud News and Journal)

Gun theft victim's anger at 'inaction'

A FARM worker who had a small arsenal of guns stolen by burglars has accused the police of "sweeping it under the carpet" and warned Stroud residents to be on their guard.

Five deadly 12-bore shotguns and 250 cartridges were among the £8,000 haul stolen from Kevin Charles' home in Longney Road, Hardwicke.

The 47-year-old told the SNJ: "If it gets into the wrong hands people could get hurt. There are 250 shells there - if 10 people are shot on stick-ups that's 10 more murders."

Shooting enthusiast Mr Charles was out on a stag weekend in Ilfracombe on Saturday, July 2 when the thieves struck, forcing their way in through a ground floor window before breaking into the gun cabinet.

They took a host of other dangerous items including a knife set, chainsaw and industrial disc cutter - and even stole the £2,000 CCTV system he used to protect the property.

And they even used one of his wheelbarrows to transport the stolen goods across a field at the back of his property to a waiting car.

"They just trashed the place," said Mr Charles, a farm worker all his life.

"They took everything."

He angrily accused the police of "sweeping it under the carpet" and said he expected a greater sense of urgency from the force.

No press release was issued about the stolen guns at the time.

"It annoys me that the police haven't got their finger out," he said. "It is almost like it has been swept under the carpet."

But Gloucestershire police spokesman Matt Ford said officers were taking the incident very seriously, adding that forensic specialists had visited Mr Charles' home.

"The constabulary considers all burglaries serious but given the items taken in this one it is of particular concern," he said.

"We are currently making a full investigation and it will be ongoing.

"We would urge anyone with information to get in touch with us as a matter of urgency."

Anyone with information should call Gloucestershire police on 0845 090 1234 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The five 12-bore guns stolen were (serial numbers in brackets): Sabatti over and under (145824), Fletcher side by side (8538), BSA single barrelled (015893), Elgoibar side by side (64508), Baikal over and under (8874779).