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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Yellowknife RCMP are saying at least eight firearms were reported stolen on Monday, including handguns, shotguns and rifles.

RCMP say the above images depict the type of firearms stolen from a residence on Sept. 16. - Image courtesy of RCMP

Police responded to a report of a break and enter early Monday morning in the Taylor Road and Forrest Drive area. The complainant, who operates a licensed gunsmith shop in his home, said a number of functioning and deactivated firearms were stolen from his house.

"There was signs of forced entry into the building," said RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Roxanne Hudym.

"We don't know if it was opportunistic or planned."

MMO Tactical Gunsmithing, owned by Marc Delaney, is run out of his home at 18 Forrest Park. The business offers services to gun owners such as scope mounting, tactical conversion and gun deactivation. Jeffrey Humble, director of planning and development for the city, said the business' development permit was approved on Nov. 12, 2012.

Hudym said police haven't had any similar incidents of stolen weapons reported to them recently.

RCMP haven't identified any suspects in the incident.

Hudym said the perpetrator(s) might want to sell the weapons, but police aren't sure of any motives yet.

"At this point, we are interested in receiving information about people trying to sell firearms or anyone in possession of firearms who it might be unusual for them to have them," Hudym said.

Owners of firearms need to follow specific guidelines when it comes to storing them. Hudym doesn't have any reason to believe the owner wasn't following standards.

Half of the weapons were "mechanically deactivated," according to the RCMP. The complainant stated four of the weapons had their firing mechanisms removed and holes drilled through their receivers.

Scott Cairns, president of the Yellowknife Shooting Club, said firearms classified as mechanically deactivated are required to be permanently disabled. He said it's not likely they'll ever be able to fire again.

Cairns described the type of functioning shotguns stolen as "sporting" firearms, used for duck hunting. The two stolen handguns, however, are restricted weapons and require special

permits, Cairns said.

"Those could be used for target practice," he said

Cairns explained the smaller Sig Sauer pistol is typically used for target practice, while the large calibre revolver is capable of taking down bears and often carried by hunters or prospectors.

Police are asking for anyone with information on this case to contact Yellowknife RCMP or Crimestoppers.

Stolen Guns

Functioning firearms:

• Smith & Wesson Model 500 - .50 calibre revolver
• Sig Sauer Mosquito .22 - calibre pistol
• Remington Model 870 Tactical - 12 gauge shotgun, equipped with a holographic sight and mounted flashlight
• Remington Model 870 Marine - 12 gauge shotgun

Disabled firearms:

• Tomahawk 12 gauge shotgun
• SKS rifle
• Break barrel single shot 12 gauge shotgun
• .22 calibre bolt action rifle

Source: Yellowknife RCMP

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