Police 'frustrated' after guns stolen from Regina business

Several long guns were stolen in a break-in Sundayat a pawn shopin Regina.

It happened in the early hours of the morning, police say.The suspects fled before police arrived on the scene.

Police didn't identify the business, but staff with Pawn Kingon the 1800 block of ParkStreetconfirmed their store was hit.

The owner declined to comment on the burglary.

Regina police said 12 long guns were taken from the store.

Police are concerned about this theft because of the potential harmstolen firearms can cause inthe community.

"We talked about many of them [guns]being stolen from break and enters in and around Regina. Well, this is just a prime example of that occurring," saidRegina deputy police chief Dean Rae.

"We have a break and enter to a business. We lose a number of firearms and now they're out on the street."

Rae said for the burglary to happenless than two weeks after police conducted a firearmamnesty is "frustrating."

• Regina police destroy 157 unwanted guns
• Regina police take in 157 guns during 2-week amnesty

Last year, the city was grappling with a steep rise in gun-related crime, withgun thefts being a part of the trend.

Police are asking anyone withinformationto call the Regina Police Service at 306-777-6500or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.