Police have reaffirmed their commitment to the manhunt for the state’s most wanted man, Malcolm Naden, at a press conference in Gloucester.
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Operation commander Assistant Commissioner Carlene York this morning said that confirmation Naden was responsible for a break-in about 10 days ago where a semi-automatic rifle and ammunition, along with food and supplies, were stolen prompted a warning from police for the community needed to remain vigilant.
“We don’t assume all break-ins are Malcolm Naden, we need to assess the intelligence we have,” Assistant Commission York said.
But she said this break-in was the responsibility of Naden.
“He is still here,” she said it was of extreme concern to police that Naden was armed with a semi-automatic rifle.
She said police had always assumed Naden had access to firearms, with police recovering two weapons from Nowendoc following the shooting of the police officer late last year.
Naden is classified by police as an extreme risk.
“He is wanted for murder, he shot at a police officer. He will go to any extremes not to go into custody,” she said.
Assistant Commisioner York said police never go out (on the search for Naden) without thinking he is armed.
There are 40 to 50 officers attached to Strike Force Durkin, based at the command post in Gloucester.
Assistant Commissioner York said their aim was to “surround and contain” Naden, negotiate him out of hiding and bring him before a court.
Police have urged residents living in isolated areas surrounding Gloucester and Nowendoc to secure their properties and any guns.
She said there was a possibility that there some people may own unregistered firearms and she urged owners to register them firstly and then lock them up.
Assistant Commissioner York said if weapons were stolen the police needed to know as the safety of officers was at stake if information wasn’t forthcoming.
“Lock up your houses and stores. I don’t want him (Naden) to get food or supplies.”
Assistant Commissioner York said police had no information that anyone was helping Naden.
“He seems to be a loner and doesn’t need human contact. There’s no evidence anyone is helping him.”
She stressed that Nadan was extremely dangerous.
“He has murdered his cousin, shot an officer. He is not a person you want to help.”
Assistant Commissioner York said the Strike Force would remain in operation while there was confirmation Naden was in the area.
The Strike Force, she said, was concentrating around the Gloucester-Nowendoc area.
She confirmed the officer shot by Naden at Nowendoc in December had returned to work and rejoined Strike Force Durkin.
“He’s an inspiration to the rest of the team,” she said.