A brazen break-in and theft of heritage weapons at Lithgow’s Small Arms Factory in August 2024 means the popular museum will be closed for the foreseeable future.
Some of the stolen handguns date back to the 1880s and their combined value is estimated at more than $200,000.
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Lithgow Small Arms Factory wrote on their Facebook page on 4 September 2024:
“By now, most of you have probably heard the news of the break-in and theft of handguns from the Museum on Sunday 25th August. The Museum has suffered immeasurable damage and will not be reopening any time in the forseeable future. We have an awful lot of work to do and a few major challenges to overcome before we can reopen.
On the bright side, our volunteers have been an absolute inspiration with their love of the Museum and their determination to plug on so we can come back better than ever!
To all of our friends and family, your support has meant more than you know.
To those who were planning to visit in the near future, we sincerely apologise.
We are very grateful for the support of everyone we’ve dealt with since the break-in, everyone who has offered help, and Bunnings Lithgow for their donation of materials.”
IMAGE: Lithgow Small Arms Factory Facebook page
