The theft shotguns, rifles, a crossbow and a quantity of ammunition from Wainfleet residence were behind the heavily-armed police presence in Welland Friday afternoon, say Niagara Regional Police.

Five people have been arrested in connection with the break-in, including four from a home on Young Street, near Burgar Street, in Welland.

Police said they responded to a break-in in Wainfleet last Tuesday, where the homeowner reported a number of firearms including shotguns, rifles, a crossbow and a quantity of ammunition missing.

"Detectives from the 3 District detective services branch immediately took over the investigation with a concern for public safety. The investigation incorporated several units of the service including the 3 District street crime unit, the emergency task unit and special investigative services," a police release said.

Thursday, police arrested a person they believe responsible for the break-in and weapons theft. The arrest also resulted in the recovery of 11 firearms, a crossbow and a large quantity of ammunition.

Twenty-four-year-old Matthew Lottridge, of Welland, was arrested and charged with breaking and entering to steal a firearm, possession of a weapon obtained by crime and possession of property obtained by crime with a value not exceeding $5,000. After a bail hearing Friday, he was remanded back into custody and will appear in court at a later date.

Police said they acted on information that more firearms stolen during the Wainfleet break-in were at the Young Street residence.

Officers were granted a search warrant for the residence and the emergency task unit was called in to ensure public and officer safety and assist with the execution of the warrant. An area around the residence was blocked off to eliminate any vehicle or pedestrian traffic for a short period of time.

Police said the warrant was successfully executed at about 2:50 p.m. and four people — including Jeffrey Labbe, 41, and Corinne Guthro, 22, both of Welland — were arrested. Two of those arrested were later released unconditionally.

Two more search warrants were executed in the home resulting in the recovery of another firearm, additional ammunition and a pellet gun. All items are believed to have been stolen in the residential break and enter.

Labbe faces a number of charges including unauthorized possession of a firearm, careless storage of a firearm, two counts of possession of stolen property, and four counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order. At the time of his arrest, police said, Labbe was wanted for an unrelated matter.

Guthro faces a charge of obstructing a peace officer and was released from custody on a promise to appear in court.

Thirteen firearms, a substantial amount of ammunition, a crossbow and other property taken in the break-in have now been recovered and while the investigation continues, police are confident the majority of the stolen property has been recovered.

Nathaniel.Johnson@niagaradailies.com

905-684-7251 | @DaveJTheTrib

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- Heavily armed police respond for Welland weapons search