A major theft of firearms has Vernon RCMP looking for suspects.
On Sunday at 3:45 p.m., the police received a report of 22 firearms — 17 rifles and five handguns — being stolen from a residence in the 9500 of Highway 97.
“It’s concern that all of the guns are in who knows whose hands,” said Gord Molendyk, RCMP spokesperson, adding that stolen weapons are popular among criminals.
“There is a black market for guns. Some firearms, because of power, are more dangerous than others.”
The firearms were kept in a safe in a shed attached to the residence.
“The owner did all of the right things. They were locked in a safe,” said Molendyk, adding that the handguns were registered.
“The safe would have required several people to move it.”
Investigators aren’t sure if the home was targeted specifically because of the firearms.
“We’re looking into all aspects of it,” said Molendyk.
The break and enter could have occurred earlier in the day.
