Police warning Prince George hunters after numerous firearm thefts

Prince George RCMP is asking hunters to take extra precaution when it comes to securing their firearms.

According to police, the detachment has received several reports of firearms being stolen from vehicles in the community. In all cases, firearms were left in vehicles overnight in preparation for an early morning departure to go hunting or to work in rural areas. These thieves are specifically targeting vehicles that are likely being used for hunting.

"We understand that hunters want to get an early start to make the most of the day and the hunting season," says Cpl. Craig Douglass. "However, leaving hunting gear including guns in a vehicle attracts thieves and motivates them to the possibility of a good score. The prospect of stealing firearms is a pretty good motivator by itself, but thieves know even if there are no firearms, the reward is often thousands of dollars' worth of hunting gear."

Police are requesting that firearms, ammunition and other valuable items be packed just prior to departure, and not left in vehicles overnight. Most of the thefts occurred in parking lots or near to hotels and motels in Prince George, but some instances occurred in residential driveways.

Anyone with information on these thefts is asked to contact Prince George RCMP at (250)561-3300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.