Gun thefts rise dramatically in 2002

It’s an epidemic of another kind, and unfortunately it has proven far more deadly than dengue fever. Figures released today by the Police Department reveal that thefts of firearms have almost doubled over the last year. In the year 2000, forty-two licensed guns were reported stolen and in 2001 the number jumped to sixty-six. But in just the first six months of 2002 an astonishing sixty-one firearm thefts have already been reported. One favourite target for gun thieves is in the vicinity of the Newtown Barracks in Belize City. With guns barred at many of the area’s nightspots, many high rollers leave their sidearms in their vehicles. Those luxury SUV’s are well known to local gangbangers and make tempting targets. Police advise gun owners to leave their weapons well secured at home.