Shotguns stolen from vehicle

CITY POLICE

NEWS RELEASES

************************* Theft reports

A vehicle parked at a residence in the 100 block of River Road was broken into.

Hunting gear and two shotguns were reported stolen.

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to remind gun owners that vehicles are not wise storage devices for firearms unless absolutely necessary for transportation or during a hunting excursion.

As well, ammunition is never to be stored with any firearm.

During hunting season, some people tend to store their firearms in their vehicle the night prior to a hunting trip or neglect to remove them upon their return.

Once removed from the home, firearms must continue to be secured according to law.

Firearms should not be left in unattended vehicles or vehicles that are not in the direct sight of their owners.

When in vehicles firearms should have a locking mechanism (i.e. trigger lock affixed) or rendered inoperable by the removal of the bolt or bolt carrier.

They are not to be stored in plain view (preferably locked in the trunk if in a car) and the vehicle itself needs to be secured (locked).

Storage in vehicles gives a false sense of security as in most cases vehicles are easily broken into.

Given the frequency of thefts from vehicles in our community, the risk is too great that firearms will be taken and can pose a danger to our community.

A number of vehicles were entered - some had windows smashed to gain entry in parking areas on Albert Street East, Queen Street East and West and several of them were on River Road.

A number of items left inside were stolen, including four purses, identification, cash and medication.

It was reported that around the time of one of the theft incidents, around 9:33 p.m., at the rear of a building in the 300 block of Albert Street East near Bruce Street, a teen male was observed going through a purse near a vehicle that was entered.

The purse was left behind but a wallet and some identification were stolen.

The suspect male seen leaving from the area was described as being in his late teens, medium build, blonde hair, wearing a white jacket and dark pants.

If you have any information regarding this crimes, or any other crime, please call the Sault Ste Marie Police Service at 949-6300 or Crime Stoppers at 942-7867 or 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), submit an e-tip from the Crime Stoppers web site at www.saultcrimestoppers.com or text keyword SSM with your tip to 274637.

************************* Break and enter reports

- An industrial site and hut at a business in the 100 block of Allen’s Side Road was entered during the past four days. A quantity of copper wire was reported stolen.

- A garage on Glengary Gate Crescent was broken into sometime during the past two days. A chainsaw was reported taken.

- A trailer on the property of a residence in the 800 block of Wellington Street East was broken into last night at 1:13 a.m.

A digital camera, jewellery and a Hugo Boss scarf and gloves were reported stolen.

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