A firearm left in a vehicle was reported stolen to Bowling Green Police Division earlier this week. The owner, who resides in the 700 block of Napoleon Road, reported he had put the gun in his car on June 9 and discovered it missing on June 17, Police Chief Tony Hetrick said.
“I really implore anyone carrying a firearm to keep it secure,” Hetrick said. “It’s just not wise to do that,” the chief said of leaving a gun in a vehicle.
Earlier this year Bowling Green Police arrested four men from Toledo for reportedly breaking into about 50 cars in Bowling Green. According to Hetrick, those men were allegedly members of a gang that arms themselves with guns stolen from vehicles.
“We’re very concerned anytime someone steals a firearm,” Hetrick said.
Bowling Green Police Division received reports of seven car break-ins over the past week – with multiple located near Colony Lane, one on Brownwood Drive, and the one on Napoleon Road.
In most of the cases, the vehicles were left unlocked overnight, when the break-ins occurred. Some owners reported items such as wallets or purses stolen.
“They are taking whatever of value they can take from cars,” Hetrick said.
The chief warned that citizens should not leave items of value in their vehicles.
“Lock your cars and take your valuables inside,” he said. “Do not leave anything of value in your cars ever.”
