Stolen gun gossip probe (From Gazette & Herald)

Stolen gun gossip probe

A BURGLARY in which a dangerous firearm was stolen has been a hot topic of conversation in a Ryedale village - and now the police want to be in on the gossip.

PC Ray Thwaites, Helmsley community beat officer, said a mobile phone and a legally-owned shotgun were stolen when a home in Rievaulx was burgled in November.

Possession of a shotgun without holding a shotgun certificate is a serious offence. A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said unlawful possession of a shotgun could carry a sentence of up to six months in prison and a fine if heard in the magistrates court, and up to five years in jail if the case was sent to crown court.

Following police investigations, the firearm was recovered from the river Rye at Rievaulx on Friday. PC Thwaites said that he was aware the offence had been a topic of conversation in the village and appealed for residents to come forward.

"Burglary is a very serious offence, as is being in unlawful possession of a shotgun," said PC Thwaites. "I am aware that a lot of people in Rievaulx have knowledge of this incident and I want them to come forward and help our inquiries. People should contact me with information, no matter how insignificant they think the detail may be."

PC Thwaites said he believed no danger had been posed to the Rievaulx community because of the firearm theft.

Anyone with information should phone PC Thwaites on 0845 6060247.

Updated: 08:50 Tuesday, February 15, 2005