CORNER BROOK — Not knowing who is now in possession of three firearms stolen in Corner Brook is disconcerting for local police, to say the least.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary was notified this past Saturday afternoon that, some time between the middle of Friday afternoon and 3 p.m. Saturday, three shotguns were taken from a shed on French’s Road.
Missing are a double-barrel 12-gauge shotgun, a Ranger regular 12-gauge shotgun and a 16-gauge single shotgun. The two 12-gauges have brown stocks and black barrels. The 16-gauge has a recently sanded, wooden handle.
According to the RNC, an undisclosed amount of 12- and 16-gauge shotgun shells was also taken, plus a yellow DeWalt heavy duty worksite radio/charger, a DeWalt 18-volt reciprocating saw and an undisclosed amount of money.
“This investigation and solving this sooner rather than later is a priority to us, so we can get possession of these firearms and ammunition and make sure they are secure again,” said Const. Robert Edwards, the RNC’s media relations officer in Corner Brook.
As of Monday afternoon, the RNC’s patrol services division and the criminal investigation division were continuing to look into the break, entry and theft. Edwards said no new information had come to light since the original complaint Saturday afternoon.
The RNC is asking that anyone who has information about the crime or the whereabouts of the stolen items to notify the RNC or provide a tip via Crime Stoppers.
The police could not say whether the shed was targeted specifically for the firearms.
“Break and entries are opportunity crimes and whatever is accessible and obtainable might be taken,” said Edwards. “It’s hard to say, at this point, what they were looking for. All we know is that it is a concern to have these types of items out in the public.”
Entry to the shed was via an unlocked window. Edwards reminded residents to always lock their vehicles, homes and sheds.
“You have to secure your property to keep your property,” he said.
