SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Law enforcement across South Dakota is bewildered by the increase in firearms stolen out of unlocked cars.
Mitchell authorities say seven firearms were recently taken from unlocked cars and it's a source of frustration for Lieutenant Don Everson.
Everson says it's hard to understand why people leave unsecured firearms in an unlocked vehicles especially in city limits.
Everson reminds gunowners that owning a firearm is a huge responsibility. He says that responsibility inlcudes making sure that gun doesn't get into the hands of children or criminals. He says it's irresponsible to leave a loaded firearm in an unlocked, unoccupied vehicle.
Last week, Mitchell police arrested three men in connection with the thefts and recovered the stolen guns.
Everson says investigators are glad the stolen guns weren't involved in other crimes.
A handgun stolen from an unlocked vehicle in Sioux Falls two years ago recently resurfaced in a shooting in Chicago a couple of months ago.
