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Last updated on Tuesday, September 11, 2018
(COLUMBUS) - Police are reminding gun owners to secure their firearms. Within the past week, four guns have been reported stolen in Columbus. So far this year, police have reports of 47 stolen guns.
Police worry stolen weapons could lead to more violent crimes.
"It could end up being a life or death mistake," Lt. Matt Harris, with the Columbus Police Department, told FOX59 News.
Since 2016, police have reports of 183 stolen guns that are now somewhere on the streets.
For a city the size of Columbus, that is a lot of firearms says Lt. Harris.
Police say thieves are stealing most of the firearms form cars and homes left unlocked.
Most of the stolen firearms are handguns but there are some cases involving shotguns and rifles. Police see the weapons sold for drugs and many times to someone who can't legally buy one on their own.
"People need to take a second and third look and if you're going to be carrying a weapon with you, it needs to be on you or locked up in a safe whether in a vehicle or your home," explains Lt. Harris.
From 2016-2017, Columbus saw a 65% increase in the number of reports of guns stolen.
Information FOX59 News, https://fox59.com
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