As of July 17th, there have been 15 firearms stolen from vehicles this month alone, according to the Great Falls Police Department, with most vehicles being unlocked and the incidents occurring across various areas of town.
“In Montana, we embrace safe firearm ownership, which means keeping them accounted for,” explained Sergeant Smith. “These stolen weapons are often used for future criminal activity and pose a significant risk to the community and the law enforcement officers who deal with these individuals.”
“Most of these thefts are crimes of opportunity,” explained Adrienne Ehrke, GFPD Assistant Public Information Officer. “To avoid becoming a victim, community members are strongly encouraged to remove all valuables and lock their vehicles. We recommend community members keep photos, along with a record of color, make, model, serial number, etc., of valuables such as guns, jewelry, tools, outdoor gear, military gear, important documents, etc. This helps tremendously in our attempts to recover stolen property; it also aids an insurance claim.”
To file a report, please contact the GFPD non-emergency line at (406) 455-8599, or online reporting at https://greatfallsmt.net/police/line-reporting
With these thefts in mind, as well as other recent gun-related crimes, community members are reminded to please follow gun safety rules.
Treat all firearms as though they are loaded. This includes never pointing a muzzle at anything not intended to be destroyed and keeping fingers off the trigger until ready to shoot. It is also vital to identify one’s target and understand what lies behind it to prevent unintended harm.
Handling firearms should be avoided during times of emotional distress, and gun owners must ensure their firearms are empty after picking them up. Relying solely on a gun’s safety mechanism can lead to accidents. Proper maintenance and regular cleaning of firearms are essential for safe use. Using appropriate ammunition, safe storage practices, and ensuring firearms are inaccessible to unauthorized users are fundamental aspects of responsible gun ownership. Storing firearms in a secure safe when not in use is a common agreement among firearm owners. For more gun safety rules, please visit https://gunpros.com.
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
