AHOSKIE – Crime can occur in the blink of an eye.

A mere 14 minutes after a homeowner left their residence here Tuesday night, a thief entered and pilfered five weapons.

Ahoskie Police Chief Troy Fitzhugh said his department was contacted about the crime at 6:44 p.m.

“The homeowner reported that the residence was secure at 6:30 p.m., so you can see just how fast the thief worked in this case…..less than 15 minutes went by between the time the home was secure, meaning someone was at home, and the time the crime was reported to us.”

The theft took place in the 100 block of South Street. From that residence, a Browning 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun (Model A5), an Ithica 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun (Model 51), a Remington 12-gauge pump shotgun (Model 870), a semi-automatic 7.62 caliber SKS rifle, and a bolt action 270 Remington rifle (700 Model) were stolen.

Fitzhugh said one of the Ahoskie Police canines was called to the scene to see if a scent trail was left.

“The dog did follow a scent, but there was no one around at the end of that trail,” Fitzhugh said.

Those with information on this case are urged to contact APD Detective Sgt. Steven White at 252-332-5011 or use the “Tips” icon on the Ahoskie PD’s website.

“We are being proactive by letting the public know that, one, a break-in occurred, and, two, weapons were stolen. By listing the makes and models of these weapons, hopefully someone will take note of that and let us know if these weapons surface,” Fitzhugh stated.