A WEEK-long police investigation into a home invasion, kidnapping and weapons theft at Cassilis has resulted in arrests and the recovery of high-powered rifles.
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The drama started on January 10, when three men wearing masks entered an isolated property on Cooba Bulga Road.
Police allege the three offenders detained a 43-year-old man at the home before stealing firearms from a gun safe; as well as motorbikes, a Toyota Hilux, and other property.
The victim eventually broke free and raised the alarm.
Police from Hunter Valley Local Area Command launched an investigation and, the following day on January 11, officers attended a home on Brown Street in Cessnock.
A 26-year-old man was taken into custody and charged with aggravated break, enter and steal in company; detain in company, and actual bodily harm.
A firearm was also seized.
He appeared at Maitland Local Court and was refused bail to re-appear at Newcastle Local Court on February 25.
Police continued their hunt for the other offenders and, in a joint operation between Hunter Valley Local Area Command and Central Hunter Local Area Command detectives and general duties officers, executed search warrants at locations in Cessnock and Mount View last Wednesday.
Three males, aged in their late 20s to early 30s, were arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping, detain in company occasioning actual bodily harm and aggravated break enter and steal.
The alleged offenders were refused bail to re-appear at a later date.
Police say all firearms have been recovered, along with a large amount of stolen property.
Investigations into the incident are continuing.
