OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) – This year has brought a sharp increase in the number of guns reported having been stolen from vehicles in Oshkosh.
Officer Joe Nichols says there have been “15 reports of guns being stolen from vehicles in the city. The Oshkosh Police Department has taken a total of 25 stolen gun reports in 2017.”
Nichols notes the 15 incidents is up from seven reports in 2016.
He says most of this year’s crimes have occurred in the overnight hours.
“Almost all of the guns that were taken from vehicles have occurred when the owner forgets to lock their vehicle.”
Police say it is important for residents to lock their vehicle when not in use, and more importantly, to remove any valuables from their vehicles.
Nichols says the investigations into many of these crimes are still ongoing.
“We’ve only had one gun recovered in 2017, from the ones that have been stolen from the vehicles.”
With no proof that the incidents are connected, Nichols explains where the investigation goes from here.
“We’re looking at all of the usual places where some people like to go: pawn shops. We’re looking for video. We’re looking for information.”
Anyone with information on any of these thefts is asked to call Oshkosh Police at 920-236-5700.
