Express & Star

Gun and ammunition stolen by car thief

A thief made off with a car carrying a rifle and ammunition from a rifle club in the West Midlands.

Published

Police say the thief may not have been aware that the Octavia Skoda Estate was carrying the .22 weapon in its boot.

He struck as the driver arrived at the club to open the gate, leaving his keys in the ignition.

The opportunist thief jumped behind the wheel and drove off.

It happened on Wednesday just before 7.30pm at Dudley Rifle Club on Cinder Road, Lower Gornal.

Det Sgt Matt Nightingale, from Dudley CID, said: "At this stage there is nothing to suggest the thief targeted the owner for firearms.

"The thief may not know he stole a gun and I would urge him to think about his next action.

"Stealing a car is one thing but being found in possession of a gun is clearly very serious.

"If this person unknowingly took the gun then I am urging him to make contact with us as soon as possible so we can recover the weapon and get his side of the story.

"The registration number of the silver Octavia is WJ63BHG ? if anyone sees this car then please call the police."

Call officers on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.