Despite his best efforts to secure his stash of weapons, gun enthusiast Ty Williams came home from work last month to find two shotguns, two rifles and a Tech 9 handgun stolen from his bedroom closet.
In addition to the guns, the burglars took a Tag Heuer watch and change machine, leaving a trail of coins out the back door to the alley. The estimated value of the stolen items totals nearly $3,000.
Williams thinks a friend of a friend might have done it.
“It’s funny, because they grabbed the guns. They knew exactly where they were,” he says. “That was it. They went in for specific items.”
From the damage done to a rear window, he speculates that they kicked it in, went though the kitchen and hallway to the closet in the master bedroom – passing on the expensive audio and video equipment on the way to their destination.
“A few of the guns were antiques given to me by my grandpa,” he says.
Concerned that he could be held accountable if the stolen firearms are used in the commission of a crime, he reported the theft immediately. The responding officer told him not to worry, but Williams says he has good reason.
“I can’t remember really how many were back there. I just told them three or four that I knew for sure were stolen. It is a worry.”
Deputy Chief David Elliston says it sounds like Williams took reasonable steps to secure his weapons.
When talking to citizens about how to protect themselves from burglars, he recommends that they be creative in making it appear that someone is always home. Additionally, he says an excellent way to protect firearms or other valuable property is to purchase a gun safe.
“This is very effective protection but cost prohibitive for some,” Elliston notes.
As for Williams’ concerns that he could be held liable for any crimes committed with the stolen firearms, Elliston says it’s a mixed bag.
He explains that when a gun used in the commission of a crime is traced back to an individual, investigators will interview the individual to determine how their weapon came to be in the offender’s possession. If there is a legitimate explanation, such as the gun having been reported stolen, then the homeowner will not face criminal prosecution. However, if a person is harmed by a homeowner’s stolen weapon, the person harmed or family of the person harmed could pursue civil action.
“Any time guns leave the hands of responsible citizens, we are all in greater danger,” Elliston cautions. “Police officers and citizens alike often suffer the consequences when guns fall into the wrong hands.”
He encourages every gun owner to make a quick inventory of their weapons and record the serial numbers. This will help identify the property in the event the offender is arrested and stolen property is recovered.
“While you are conducting this inventory, reevaluate the security of your weapons, not only from burglars, but from the children in your household, or who may visit your home.”
