49,000 shotgun cartridges stolen

Police are appealing for information following a burglary at a gun club in Winchester, Hampshire, where 49,000 shotgun cartridges were stolen.

The burglary took place sometime between 6pm on Thursday 20 September and 10am on Saturday 22 September.

In addition to the cartridges an Isuzu Trooper was also stolen. It was found burnt out in a field a short distance from the premises on 24 September.

Investigating officer PC Craig Robinson said: “We need to recover the stolen cartridges. It is likely that they are being offered for sale and I am appealing to anyone who may have been offered them or knows who may be selling them to contact the police.

“Five thousand of the cartridges stolen were Pro One Performance Shooting Cartridges, made by Hull Cartridge. These particular cartridges are quite distinctive in appearance. They are 24g and have a burgundy case and a large brass head. Only 220,000 of these types of cartridges were made. If they are still in their boxes they should be easily identifiable as they are stamped with the date 01/08/12.

“If you have been offered any shotgun cartridges for sale by anyone other than a reputable dealer, please contact the police immediately. If you have information on the whereabouts of this stolen property or who may be responsible for this burglary, please contact us and pass on your information in confidence.”

Anyone with any information should contact PC Robinson of North Walls Police Station at Hampshire Constabulary on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.