Readers of this blog have repeatedly read my pleas for people to lock their valuables or risk losing them - thus, the catchy phrase Lock It or Lose It. Many will simply look at the victims as being an unfortunate victim of their own laziness thinking anyone who failed to lock their car or left valuables out in plain sight deserved to become a victim. Heck, what concern is it to me? After all, I lock my car all the time.
Well, here's another look at the problem - one that shows it is your concern, and it has to do with guns.
We investigated a vehicle burglary last week in which the victim "thought he locked his vehicle" and left a handgun in the unlocked glove box. Upon returning to his vehicle the next morning, the car door was open and the semi-auto pistol was gone. For the record, there were no signs of forced entry to the vehicle.
Car burglars not only take things like Ipods, GPS units, cell phones, or laptops, they also take guns left in cars. Lawful gun ownership is a good thing, but firearms in the hands of criminals that were obtained via illegal means is not so good.
We can all help to keep our community safe by taking a moment to lock our cars and secure our valuables - including our firearms. Doing so just might keep a weapon out of the hands of a criminal.
- Asst Chief Bill LePere
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