VCSO seeks public help in burglary
of valuable antique firearms
October 23, 2015
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
A large collection of rare — and valuable — antique guns were stolen Sunday in an unincorporated area of Santa Paula and police are asking that people keep an eye out for anyone attempting to sell them.
According to Ventura County Sheriff’s Detective John Fox, the incident was reported October 18 at 6:45 p.m. when the homeowner returned to their house in the 17000 block of South Mountain Road — located south of the Santa Clara River — and it had been burglarized.
After breaking into the home burglars “stole the victim’s collection of antique firearms,” more than 20 guns, many “rare collectibles” dating back to the mid-1880s.
According to Fox the victim is inventorying his extensive collection to determine which firearms were stolen.
Said Fox, “The value is still unknown, but estimated to be in the tens of thousands…”
Fox said the VCSO is seeking the public’s assistance with the investigation into the theft and are asking that anyone with information on the crime — or anyone attempting to sell antique firearms — to call the Ventura County Sheriff’s Fillmore Substation at 524-2233.
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
