OREGON, OH (Toledo News Now) - Two people were arrested for stealing 5 AK-47's and several other items from Oregon homes a few weeks ago.
Oregon Police say the break-ins could have been prevented.
"Often times victims of burglaries are not total strangers to the suspects," said Oregon Police Chief Mike Navarre.
Chief Navarre says that's the case for 30-year-old Chad Bedford, who was arrested for breaking into homes several weeks ago.
Navarre says Bedford lived in the same area where the break-ins were committed.
"Burglaries, often times, are committed to feed a drug habit," said Navarre.
Navarre says this is true of Bedford and his accused accomplice, Hope Mendoza.
The stolen AK-47's and ammunition were sold. Navarre says with cases like this, often times criminals know where the guns are located. Navarre says you can prevent these crimes from happening to you.
"It's never a good idea to advertise that you have those guns, especially to the wrong people, and keep them secure," said Navarre.
Navarre also says to never leave your guns loaded around the house; to prevent thief and also for safety reasons.
"You also have to be aware of who you invite into your home and who you share information with. You may think that they are your friends but they could steal from you. Just use common sense," said Navarre.
