RCMP concerned in wake of firearm thefts in Hay River
Two .22 calibre rifles and three shotguns taken in break-in
Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Monday, May 9, 2016
HAY RIVER
The RCMP is worried about the fate of five firearms that were stolen during a recent break and enter at an area business.
The police report that, at about 11:40 p.m. on April 27, the front doors were smashed to gain entry into Monster Recreational Products where a locked gun cabinet was broken into and two .22 calibre rifles and three shotguns were stolen.
"We're obviously concerned with any break and enter to any business or any home or anyplace for that matter in our community," said Cpl. Greg Morrow of the Hay River RCMP.
"However, having firearms stolen and having those thrown out into the community, it definitely causes concern for us. We want those firearms secured and in good hands so that nothing bad can come from those guns."
Some ammunition and sunglasses were also taken during the break-in at Monster Recreational Products.
It was the third recent break and enter at a business in Hay River.
On April 18, at approximately 11:30 p.m., the front glass doors were smashed at the Home Hardware store, and several knives were stolen from a display case containing pocket and hunting knives.
At about 8 a.m. that same day, police also responded to a report from Ehdah Cho Store on the Hay River Reserve about an overnight break and enter. The front glass door was
smashed, and it appeared cigarettes were stolen.
"This isn't normal for Hay River. We don't have a high property crime rate in Hay River," said Morrow of the three break-ins, adding that common sense indicates that three break and enters at stores occurring so close together might be related in some way.
"I can't say or confirm that they are related but I think anybody, regardless of whether you're a police officer or a citizen, has to assume that something is different here."
The RCMP continues to investigate the incidents.
"We're doing everything we can to gather the evidence, which hopefully will lead to suspects and apprehensions and recovery of the stolen property," said Morrow.
The officer is also requesting information from the community.
"The people in the public sometimes they may have some information they don't think means much," he said. "They might have just seen someone running right around the time or they might have seen something that looks abnormal to them."
Morrow is advising business owners that now is a good time to check their video surveillance systems to ensure they are working properly and that cameras are pointed in the right direction.
Morrow couldn't comment on whether there is video evidence in either of the three recent break-ins.
However, he noted, "Most businesses in any community will have video surveillance, and our officers continue to gather the evidence that we need."
