The RCMP asked the public for help after a break-in and gun theft

Monty in Mission, British Columbia, is asking for the public’s help in investigating a break-in in which more than a dozen firearms were stolen.

The incident occurred on November 14, but police did not make any public statements about it until Friday, when they shared photos of the suspect vehicle and asked the public for information about sightings.

According to the RCMP mission, a “group of criminals” broke into a home near the north end of Sylvester Road in the city’s Hatzich area around 2 a.m.

According to police, the owners of the house were away at the time.

The suspects “entered multiple locations on the property,” police said, adding that they stole a “large firearms safe,” more than a dozen guns and “several pieces of jewelry.” The stolen weapons included rifles and pistols, police said.

“The criminals were well prepared for breaking and entering and were wearing balaclavas and gloves,” police said in a press release on Friday.

Investigators seized a white 2018 Honda Odyssey minivan they believe was involved in the theft the same day it occurred.

Search warrants executed on both the van and the property in the Silverdale area did not lead to the discovery of any stolen weapons or jewelry, police said.

Local authorities are asking the public to provide any information that could help them with their investigation, but said they are specifically looking for some details.

Investigators want to hear about any sightings of the minivan in Mission, Silverdale or east Maple Ridge that occurred between Nov. 9 and Nov. 14, especially if the vehicle was parked on the property and not typically seen in the area.

They are also seeking details of any suspicious activity in “rural areas of Mission or Silverdale” that occurred between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. on Nov. 14 and involved one or more vehicles.

Police would also like to hear from anyone who finds the nearly five-foot tall discarded gun safe, as well as anyone who encounters people trying to sell firearms or jewelry under suspicious circumstances.

“This matter remains an active investigation, although no arrests or charges have been made to date,” police said in a statement.

“Anyone with information should call Mission RCMP at 604-826-7161.”