A $2,000 reward was yesterday put up by Police for the recovery of three high-powered rifles stolen in a raid on a home.

No ammunition was taken in the theft in Warwick on Tuesday, May 8, but officers fear the high-calibre weapons could be dangerous if in the wrong hands.

It is thought the offenders could have the sophistication to acquire ammunition which would make them useable.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Det. Sgt. Kevin Christopher, who is leading the investigation, warned anybody who finds the guns not to touch them but to contact Police.

Det. Sgt. Christopher said a team of eight officers was now involved in the case, with the added support of the Police Support Unit.

"Any firearm that is in the wrong hands is of course a concern to Bermuda Police," he said.

"If these items are found, could you please leave them as they are found and contact Police. Bermuda Police will come to the scene and deal with the matter appropriately.

"We are requesting that any person with information that would assist the Police contact us."

Crimestoppers chairman Sean Pitcher said: "Crimestoppers fully supports Police. A reward up to $2,000 is available for anyone with any information that can assist."

The weapons were taken in their black locked boxes, from Longtail Drive. The owner told Police he had locked the home at 10 a.m. but returned home at 4.30 p.m. to find it ransacked. Jewellery, cash and food were also taken.

Police said they had received some assistance since appealing for information last week, and have recovered one of the boxes which contained the weapons. However, they said they needed more public help to ensure the guns could be retrieved.

The householder who was burgled was a member of a rifle competition club, but officers said it was not clear if the offenders had specifically targeted the guns.

They are: a .30 calibre Garrand semi-automatic rifle (Second World War vintage); a 7.62 calibre single shot Paramount competition rifle; and a 7.62 calibre single shot Hall competition rifle.

Meanwhile Bermuda Police Service spokesman Dwayne Caines repeated a call for licensed gun owners to take their weapons to Warwick Camp for an audit to ensure no others are missing. Officers made a similar appeal when the theft was reported last week.

"We have had a very robust response, but we still have to get more people to come forward," said Mr. Caines.

Unlicensed possession of a firearm can lead to a 15-year prison sentence.

Anyone with information about the theft should call the Serious Crime Unit on 299-4239 or the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 1-800-623-8477.