Salina police beg residents to lock cars after gun theft in 5 cases

SALINA, Kan. (WIBW) – Salina police are pleading with residents to lock their vehicles after five cases of vehicle theft including stolen weapons were reported in just three days.

the Salina Police Department says that between Wednesday, October 5 and Friday, October 7, officials worked five vehicle theft cases in downtown Salina that also involved theft of firearms.

SPD indicated that most, if not all, of the vehicles were unlocked at the time of the theft. These weapons could potentially be used to commit other crimes, which she said makes the community and law enforcement less safe.

The Department has asked for the public’s help in securing their belongings.

“Make sure you lock your vehicle when it’s unattended,” Acting Chief Sean Morton said. “If it can be avoided, do not store valuables in your vehicle.”

SPD said residents should also keep their homes secure and close all doors and windows.

“By insuring your vehicle and reducing the risk of becoming a target, you can save yourself a lot of frustration, stress and disruption to your daily life,” said Chief Morton.

The Department provided the following tips to ensure cars and valuables are less attractive to thieves:

• Remove the keys from the ignition and do not store them in the vehicle.
• Lock all the doors.
• Close all the windows.
• Park the vehicle in a well-lit area.
• Remove all valuables, including weapons, or store them in the trunk of the vehicle.

If anyone has information about the recent vehicle thefts, they should contact SPD at 785-826-7210 or Crimestoppers at 785-825-TIPS.

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