PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

January 26, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

SLCPD Reminds Community to Secure Vehicles, Firearms

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department is reminding community members to secure their vehicles and firearms after finding a stolen truck that had an unattended and unsecured gun taken.

“Even the smallest window of opportunity is all it takes for a person to commit a crime,” said SLCPD Chief Mike Brown. “Because of this theft, another gun is on our streets, unaccounted for and could pose a danger to our community.”

This investigation began at 12:40 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 when SLC911 took a call from a man reporting someone stole his truck near 4^th Avenue and Virginia Street.

Officers met with the man who said he stopped by a construction site for a brief moment.

During that period of time, someone stole the unlocked truck.

Officers gathered information so the SLCPD Auto Theft Unit could begin an investigation.

At 7:20 a.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, officers responded to the area of 500 North 200 West after the victim found his truck in a parking lot.

While speaking with the man, officers learned a gun had been stolen from inside of the truck.

The SLCPD would like to remind community members to never leave vehicles unlocked and to secure any valuables, especially firearms in locked containers. Write down or take a photo of the serial number and keep it in a safe place in case it does get stolen.

The Salt Lake City Police Department has a dedicated unit strictly to auto theft. This unit is highly skilled and experienced. The detectives assigned to the SLCPD Auto Theft Unit not only follow up on cases by handling all auto theft investigations, but they deploy into the field to track down known vehicle theft offenders who have warrants or to look for, and recover, stolen vehicles. The SLCPD Auto Theft Unit periodically does multi-day operations, using various department resources and technology to assist in making arrests and recovering vehicles. These operations have an immediate and direct impact on other crimes being committed in Salt Lake City.

Photos taken on scene are being released. Media may use the photos with proper credit to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

###