Mission RCMP is asking for the public’s help following a burglary and gun theft

Police in Mission, British Columbia, are asking the public for help in investigating a burglary during which several firearms were stolen.

The incident occurred on November 14, but police made no public statements about it until Friday, when they released photos of the suspect vehicle and asked the public to share information about its sightings.

According to Mission RCMP, a “group of criminals” broke into a home near the north end of Sylvester Road in the Hatzic neighborhood around 2 a.m.

According to police, the homeowners were not home at the time.

The suspects “forcibly entered multiple places on the property,” police said, adding that they stole “a large firearm safe,” several weapons and “a certain amount of jewelry.” According to the police, the stolen weapons included both rifles and pistols.

“The criminals were well prepared to break and enter 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.

Police said search warrants for the van and properties in the Silverdale area did not result in the recovery of any stolen weapons or jewelry.

Mounties are asking the public for any information that could help their investigation, but say they want a few details in particular.

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

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

Police are also asking anyone who locates the discarded gun safe, which is almost one and a half meters high, and anyone who encounters people trying to sell firearms or jewelry under suspicious circumstances to contact them.

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

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