POLICE obtained security camera footage that helped them track down a $25,000 horse float stolen from Walla, a court heard yesterday.
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A detective investigating thefts at Walla in February identified a blue Toyota Tarago as possibly being involved.
Enquiries led to police visiting a Lavington home where a similar car was parked along with a horse float — like one taken from St Paul’s College.
David Edward Kitson’s home was raided on March 11, police finding stolen goods, a .308 rifle and ammunition for three different calibre rifles.
Kitson, 47, of Jackling Drive, pleaded guilty in Albury Local Court to possessing an unauthorised firearm, failing to safely keep a firearm, possessing ammunition without a licence, theft and receiving stolen property, while prosecutor Sgt Shannon Lewis withdrew six other charges.
Magistrate Tony Murray adjourned Kitson’s sentencing until August 7 for a Probation and Parole Service report.
The court heard one business lost two rims and tyres worth $500 and another four tractor tyres and rims worth $1500 each.
The float, with specialised tack box, kitchen fridge, microwave, two saddles, bridles, rugs, spurs, bits and brushe was stolen from the college grounds after thieves broke a gate chain lock.
The float was valued at $25,000 while its camp stoves, cooking elements and a heater were worth $10,000.
Kitson told police he was involved in stealing the float and other items but had taken the firearm from someone two days earlier out of concern for their safety.
It had been stolen from Wagga.
About $10,000 compensation is being sought for the stolen saddlery and related items.