Eleven guns stolen from Rapid City vehicles in the last month

Three more guns were stolen from Rapid City vehicles in the last week, bringing the total to 11 stolen over the last month. Police say there were no signs of forced entry into any of the cars.

On April 25th, a handgun was reported as stolen from a car in the 800 block of Eglin Street.

Days later on April 28th, a person reported an AR-15 style rifle was taken from their pickup truck, along with two loaded magazines. The truck was parked in the 2400 block of Judy Avenue.

The next day, a third person reported their vehicle had been burglarized. A handgun that was left in the driver’s side door was among the items reported missing. The person told police they had left the windows partially rolled down.

In all three instances, police noted there were no signs of forced entry.

Earlier this month, the RCPD reported five guns were taken from unlocked vehicles within a two-week period. On April 20th, police say three additional weapons were stolen from unlocked vehicles in a 72-hour period.

“Responsible gun ownership starts with being accountable for a firearm at all times,” said a release from the Rapid City Police Department. “Vehicles make terrible gun safes. Never leave a firearm in an unlocked vehicle, ensure the vehicle and firearm are properly secured.”

RCPD Spokesperson Brendyn Medina, says stolen firearm cases stay active as long as there are leads for investigators to follow.

“The unfortunate part about vehicle burglaries is that there is often little to no evidence left behind by a burglar,” said Medina. “That’s why prevention is so critical.”