Six shotguns stolen from Duchy College
Six shotguns, computers and cameras have been stolen in a burglary at an agricultural college, police said.
The thieves struck at Duchy Agricultural College in Stoke Climsland, in south-east Cornwall in the early hours of Friday, 15 March.
The six shotguns were taken from a secure gun cabinet, which was removed from a wall inside a college farmhouse, carried around 200m from the scene and forced open.
Students at the college on gamekeeping courses used the shotguns.
A number of desktop and laptop computers and cameras were also stolen, all of which were security marked.
“I would urge anyone who is approached with any similar items for sale, where the origin of the items cannot be clearly demonstrated, to contact us straightaway.”
Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman
A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said: “Naturally we are concerned that shotguns have been stolen and there are now six unauthorised weapons in the hands of criminals.
“We have begun a full investigation and we are keen to locate these items as quickly as possible.
“I would urge anyone who is approached with any similar items for sale, where the origin of the items cannot be clearly demonstrated, to contact us straightaway.”
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, police in Hampshire are hunting thieves who raided a farm over the weekend and stole £5,500 of agricultural equipment.
In an effort to conceal their identity, the burglars smashed CCTV and stole an orange Kubota mini tractor and Rotovator from a farm in Butt’s Green, Lockerley.
“Any farmers being offered items matching these descriptions on the cheap is urged to contact us immediately,” said a spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary.
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