Guns, knives stolen from Hay River, N.W.T., stores

Guns and knives have been stolen from two Hay River stores in a series of break and enters police say are highly unusual for the town.

RCMP say they responded to an alarm atMonster Recreation at around11:40 p.m.last night and found thefront doorshad been smashed to gain entry. The thief or thieves broke into alocked gun cabinet and stoletwo .22 caliber rifles and three shotguns.

Just over a week ago, on April 18,RCMP responded to an alarm at the Hay River Home Hardware store at around11:30 p.m. and foundthe front glass doors had been broken. Adisplay case containing pocket and hunting knives had been opened and several knives were reported stolen.

Police say anotherbreak and enter was reported that dayas having occurred overnight at theEhdah Cho Store on the Hay River Reserve. The front glass door was smashed and cigarettes were stolen.

"These recent break and enter incidents are highly unusual for the area," said RCMP in a news release.

Anyone with information is askedto contact the Hay River detachmentat 867-874-1111 orCrime Stoppersat 1-800-222-TIPS.