Handguns stolen in car break-ins, residential burglary

Mountain Brook police reported six car break-ins, a residential burglary and criminal mischief from July 23-Aug. 5. Four total handguns were stolen, and three of those handguns were in unlocked vehicles.

Between Aug. 3 and 5, an unknown suspect or suspects entered an unlocked vehicle in the 4000 block of Montclair Road and stole a handgun. Between July 31 and Aug. 1, an unknown suspect or suspects entered an unlocked vehicle in the 1000 block of Richmar Drive and stole a handgun and a pair of sunglasses. During that same time period, a car in the 100 block of Overton Road was entered, and a handgun was stolen.

To combat these robberies, Lt. Jay Williams said gun owners should take their guns inside or lock them in their trunk.

“I would take the gun inside the house,” he said. “[That] would be the best suggestion that I would have because it’s really doing no good if you have it for personal protection and it’s in your car and you’re not in your car.”

If gun owners are concerned about bringing their guns in a house because of children, Williams said they should take precautions to keep the weapons secure.

“That’s part of being a gun owner is trying to be as safe as you can,” he said.

Williams said it is possible that one group was involved in these thefts because they all occurred in the Crestline area and in a similar time frame. These suspects taking handguns is concerning, Williams said.

“I’m concerned that there’s criminals out there that have a gun now or have three guns now, that’s very concerning to me,” he said.

Another handgun was taken in a residential burglary, reported on July 30. The burglary was at a residence in the 2900 block of Fairway Drive between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., and an unknown suspect or suspects forced entry to a door. Electronic equipment was also taken.

A car break-in in the 200 block of Dexter Avenue occurred between July 30 and Aug. 2. The vehicle was reportedly unlocked, and no items were stolen. Between July 29-30, a car break-in in the 2300 block of Country Club Place occurred, and nothing was taken from the vehicle.

On Aug. 3 at 11 a.m., an unknown black female and unknown black male stole lawn equipment from a truck in the 100 block of Azalea Drive. The suspects’ vehicle is small and silver.

A vehicle was damaged in the 3400 block of Oak Canyon Drive. The incident occurred between July 23 and Aug. 3, and it is reported as criminal mischief.