MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Police are investigating a rash of car break-ins on Mud Island Monday.
The Memphis Police Department released surveillance video of at least one suspect in a gray Honda Accord who vandalized several vehicles along Harbor View Drive and Harbor Isle Circle.
Police said he stole items from several vehicles including a gun.
The suspect was wearing a white t-shirt, faded denim jeans, and a face mask.
If you recognize the car or have any information about the suspect call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.
Bennie Cobb, a firearm instructor, spoke with WREG-TV and said for thieves finding a handgun is like striking gold. Cobb stresses the importance of gun owners knowing proper gun storage practices.
“A lot of the time these vehicular burglars are kids,” Cobb said. “Now you have a gun in the hand of a kid that’s probably going to go out, has already committed one crime when they broke into your vehicle, now they’re going to continue to commit crime, but now they have a dangerous weapon in their hand.”
Cobb is not just a firearm instructor. He’s also a retired captain with the Shelby County Sheriff’s office. He says he strongly discourages gun owners from leaving their guns in their cars.
However, Cobb says if you’re going to do so, he suggests making sure it’s in some form of gun safe.
“Suspects or subjects breaking into vehicles are specifically looking for guns. They are hoping that they can find a gun because a gun is of value,” Cobb said.
Cobb says most of the time stolen guns are used in other crimes, which could be problematic for the gun owner if the gun is recovered. He says usually the owner would have to petition through the courts to obtain their weapon.
“If you have the understanding that your gun that you left in your vehicle may be used to commit a crime, to kill a citizen, or to assault a police officer or even somebody that you know, that’s going to be on your conscience for a long time,” Cobb said.
