Stolen guns — nearly 1,700 this year — on the rise in Las Vegas

Associated Press

Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015 | 11:47 a.m.

Metro Police say the number of gun thefts is steadily increasing with close to 1,700 guns reported stolen in Las Vegas this year.

Police at a news conference Wednesday said that this year's figures put the city on track to surpass the number of guns stolen in 2014.

Officers said they believe the firearms are being stolen from residences and vehicles where they are left unsecured.

Capt. Rich Fletcher says the stolen weapons put officers, children and the community at risk.

Fletcher has reminded gun owners to lock up their firearms. He says police will provide locks for anyone who can't afford a safe.