Do you own a gun? Olympia police ask that you not leave it behind in the car. Here’s why
Olympia police are asking gun owners not to leave their firearms behind in vehicles after a theft of a semi-automatic handgun last week.
Police Lt. Paul Lower estimates that this happens about once a month in the city.
About 7:30 a.m. Sept. 11, police were dispatched to the 3300 block of 21st Avenue Southwest. The gun owner told police the gun was taken from the vehicle between 4 and 5 p.m. Sept. 10.
There were reports of vehicle prowls in the area, Lower said. Vehicle prowlers typically will check a series of vehicles by seeing if doors are unlocked. If not, they are broken into, he said.
It wasn’t immediately clear if the vehicle door was unlocked or locked when the semi-automatic handgun was stolen, Lower said.
Firearms should be stored securely inside a residence, preferably in a gun safe and unloaded, Lower said.
“Particularly if you have children,” he said. “It’s crucial to have them unloaded and locked up.”
In addition to firearms, other valuables, such as cash, jewelry, credit cards, wallets, purses and electronics also should not be left behind in vehicles, Lower said.
If you have to park on the street, choose a well-lit area and report any suspicious activity, he said.
This story was originally published September 17, 2024 at 11:52 AM.
