Tasmania Police have arrested a 61-year-old man following an investigation into a series of alleged burglary and stealing offences across the state’s north. The operation resulted in the recovery of firearms, ammunition, two motor vehicles and other property that police suspect may be connected to criminal activity.

According to a police statement released on Friday, 16 October 2026, officers from Taskforce Raven, supported by the Northern Drugs and Firearms Unit, uniformed police and specialist resources, carried out a targeted search at a rural property in Tayene on Thursday, 15 October.

During the operation, investigators located the man in nearby bushland. Police said he was safely taken into custody and detained to face court proceedings. The search reportedly uncovered a range of items, including a pistol-grip pump-action shotgun, two handguns and ammunition. Officers also recovered two vehicles, two box trailers and a collection of number plates. Police are investigating whether the recovered property is linked to the alleged offences under investigation.

Taskforce Raven has been investigating suspected burglary activity for an extended period. Police indicated that the man had been of interest to investigators since 2024 in relation to several unresolved matters. The latest operation represents a further stage in those inquiries.

The man faces a range of charges, including two counts of burglary, six counts of stealing, six firearms offences, two trespass offences, one motor vehicle stealing offence, two unlawful possession offences and two drug-related offences. The allegations have not been proven in court.

Police have not publicly detailed the full circumstances of every alleged offence or provided a complete valuation of the property recovered during the search. Further evidence may be examined as investigators continue their work. The recovery of multiple firearms is a significant aspect of the investigation because the unlawful possession of weapons can create serious risks for the community. Police routinely investigate whether firearms are legally held and whether weapons or ammunition may be connected to other alleged offences.

The investigation also demonstrates how specialist police teams can work together to examine suspected property crime, locate people of interest and recover items that may assist court proceedings. Officers may need to establish the ownership of recovered vehicles and trailers, trace number plates and determine whether individual items can be linked to reported burglaries.

Tasmania Police have encouraged anyone with information about suspected criminal activity or unlawful firearms to contact police on 131 444 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. The man has been remanded in custody, according to the police announcement. Any further court developments or additional charges will depend on the ongoing investigation and legal process.