SARPY COUNTY, Neb. (KMTV) — A startling statistic has Sarpy County authorities saying people need to be more responsible as firearm owners.
Since June 1...investigators say there have been 55 vehicle thefts in Sarpy County...specifically in neighborhoods from 96th to 180th Streets between Harrison and Giles. Almost everyone of them involved vehicles that were unlocked.
The biggest concern for investigators is that 21 of those thefts had firearms stolen...either guns or rifles.
"We at the sheriff's office find this a startling and very troubling trend. We were very surprised to see the amount of people that will keep a firearm in their vehicle and keep it unlocked and unsecured," says Sarpy County Sheriff's Office Inv. Matt Barrall.
Barrall says two of the stolen firearms were seized from known Omaha gang members.
Even if it was unintentional, investigators say it's critical that responsible gun owners lock their vehicles or take firearms inside their homes.
Investigators recommend following the 9 p.m. rule...check to make sure your car doors, house and garage are secured at that time every night.
