Firearms thefts raising police concerns in Columbus

Columbus police are asking you to make sure your guns are securely locked up. Four more guns were stolen over the last week, bringing the total to 47 weapons stolen so far this year in the city. Of those, 11 were shotguns and rifles, while the rest were hand guns.

Lt. Matt Harris, spokesman for the Columbus Police Department, says that since 2016, 183 firearms have been stolen in the city, most from unsecured vehicles or homes.

He said the Columbus police are urging gun owners to be responsible and to take safety measures to ensure that their firearms are always secure. Harris said police are concerned that the stolen guns are ending up in the hands of people who legally can’t own a firearm and will likely be used in more crimes in the future.

There were 82 firearms stolen last year in the city, Harris said.