Reporting Missing (Possibly Stolen) Firearms

[PCCUSNRET]

Hope this is the right area for this post.

A couple of months ago we had our windows replaced and some other remodeling done in our house. The day after the windows were installed I happened to do a routine check for one of my handguns I keep by the bed and discovered it "missing". It had been over a month since I had opened the drawer where this gun was kept but since there had been so much activity in the house the past few days I decided to check to make sure it was still there. Needless to say, it was gone. I turned my house upside down looking for it and it was nowhere to found. As much as I hated doing it, I called the local police and reported the gun "missing". The LEO taking the report told me he could not take a "missing" gun report, that I had to report it "stolen" or he couldn't do anything about it. I told him okay, it must have been stolen as it is no longer here. He gave me a number showing I had reported it stolen and said that if it showed up the would let me know. Now the worse part.... I think there were 2 guns stolen during this time. I had another gun hidden downstairs for quick access in case I didn't have time to make it upstairs and it now missing also. I did a inventory of all guns in my safe and the second gun is definitely "missing". I am getting older, but I don't consider myself senile and I know the only time these guns are moved is when I go to the range, clean them, or rotate with other guns from my safe. After being so long winded, my question is should I report this second gun "stolen" even though I have no idea how anyone could have gained access to the area it is missing from. We had a painter in the house during this time and he was the only one that was left alone for any period of time but I have known this individual for several years now and I just can't believe he would take anything, especially a gun. Sorry for being so long winded. Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[Bubbles]

I would report it also. If you find it later you can always call the cops back and let them know you found it. OTOH if it was truly stolen and ends up being used in a crime, the headline will read "Cops Recover Stolen Gun, Owner Didn't Even Know It Was Gone".

 

[wishin]

If you're pretty certain that you didn't misplace the guns, you need to report your suspicions to the police.

 

[PCCUSNRET]

Pretty much my feelings on this too but I just dread making the call. I just can't understand why you can't just report the gun "missing" when there is no proof that is actually "stolen". I'm almost 60 and have until now never had a gun or anything else this important just turn up "missing". When I reported the other one stolen the individual taking the report didn't even ask if I had any idea how it might have been stolen, only wanted to know when I noticed it was gone. I asked if he was going to send a patrolman around to the house for a signed statement and was told it wasn't necessary as there was nothing else that could be done unless the gun showed up. I guess you can probably tell I really hate the idea that this has happened. I thought once my children were out of the house I wouldn't have to worry so much about keeping my guns locked up but I now see this was very stupid on my part (this is how I really felt when I placed the first call). Not only was careless on my part, but now I am missing over a thousand dollars worth of guns.

 

[kingpin008]

You'd be suprised how easily theives can access areas that "nobody could/should have been able to access". Homeowners think they're being sneaky with their various hiding spots for valuables, but theives literally make their living by knowing where they are.

Report it.

 

[peyton]

My wife routinely has workers in the house, it drives me nuts. I stored all of my firearms in my safe, her jewelry is strewn everywhere!! My son is our guard dog, but she is just to trusting.