Since there has been a lot of talk lately about the open carrying of firearms, we at the Benton Police Department thought it would be beneficial to pass along some pertinent information related to the subject. Since January of 2014, officers have taken 29 calls where firearms were stolen out of vehicles. Of those, 14 were stolen from unlocked vehicles and only 4 were locked for sure with the rest being unknown. Some of the incidents have occurred recently and detectives were able to make an arrest and recover one of them on 6/8/15.
During the same period of time, officers took 12 reports where individuals found firearms that had been lost or misplaced in various locations. The incidents included one left behind in a booth at a restaurant after it was found by staff, and others were found in such places as vacant houses or apartments. There were also 2 reports taken where people contacted us about losing their firearm and wanting to report it.
We have a good track record on encounters with those exercising their 2nd Amendment rights, but along with exercising that right comes the responsibility and liability with the use or carrying of firearms that needs to be understood. It’s encouraged that individuals safely secure their firearms in the appropriate holster when carrying it, whether concealed or openly. Also, it is strongly advised that individuals do not leave firearms inside their vehicles where criminals can have easy access to them.
Unfortunately, it’s that time of the year when we start taking more reports of vehicles being broken into so we think this information is timely to encourage individuals to secure not only their firearms, but all personal valuables.
Anyone who observes suspicious activity or has information about these crimes is encouraged to contact the Benton Police Department at 501-778-1171 or 911. Individuals also may send us an anonymous crime tip about these crimes to CRIMES (274637) with the keyword BNPD in the body of the text or go to www.crimereports.com to leave a tip. A crime tip can also be submitted via the official Benton Police Department app found on ITunes and Google Play.
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