Shotguns stolen from pick-up in Clitheroe

Somebody broke into the boot of a black Nissan Navara parked on Whitewell Road between 6 and 9-30 pm on Monday December 30th.

They stole two lawfully held shotguns and 10 associated cartridges along with items of clothing.

The guns stolen where a Berreta Silver Pigeon 686 over/under shotgun, serial number V205715, and a 12 Bore Miroku over/under shotgun, serial number 59401MV.

It is not believed that the shotguns were the target of the thieves as two other vehicles in the vicinity where broken into around the same time.

Det. Insp. Eric Halford, of Blackburn CID, is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

“It is imperative that we retrieve these firearms as soon as possible. We can’t afford to have such items on the streets and in the hands of criminals.

“I would appeal to anyone who has any information which will help us to retrieve the shotguns to come forward. I would ask them to search their conscience and think about the criminal purposes these guns could end up being used for.

“Due to the nature of the theft we have dedicated staff investigating this crime to make sure we can remove the shotguns from circulation as soon as possible. We are exploiting every line of enquiry, no matter how small it may seem.

“I don’t believe the person or people responsible bargained on stealing two shotguns and I would like to appeal to them directly: if you are still in possession of these firearms do the right thing and hand them in before any serious harm is caused.”

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.