SKOWHEGAN – Police in Somerset County are turning to the public to help solve a series of gun shop burglaries over the past eight months.

Since May 2000, a total of 11 burglaries have been reported at gun shops in Madison, Solon, Skowhegan and Canaan, and one in Kennebec County, according to Somerset Deputy Matt Cunningham.

Some shops were hit more than once. About 40 handguns and rifles, valued in the thousands of dollars, have been taken, the deputy said.

“We would like to catch up with these firearms before someone gets hurt,” Cunningham said. “The more firearms that are on the streets, the more opportunity there is for felons and violent offenders to get their hands on them.”

Police believe the burglaries are connected because of similarities in each incident, as well as the type of weapons stolen.

Dan’s Specialty Shop in Canaan was burglarized May 9, July 12 and Sept. 24.

Other burglaries include Corson’s, Route 2, Skowhegan, the weekend of June 28 and 29; Staples, Route 2, Skowhegan, Nov. 14 and 28; and Kirk’s Gun Shop, Madison, Aug. 16, and a second attempt on Dec. 9.

The most recent burglary involving firearms occurred on Jan. 16 at Solon Bait, Bolts and Bullets on Route 201.

A gun shop in Winslow was burglarized Nov. 2.

Several firearms were taken in each incident, Cunningham said.

The Somerset department is working with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Maine’s Violent Crimes Task Force, Skowhegan and Winslow police departments and the Maine State Police.

Individuals who believe they have information about the burglaries or stolen weapons are asked to contact local or state law enforcement agencies. Tips can be left anonymously at the Skowhegan Police Department tip line, 474-6915, or the Somerset County Sheriff’s Department tip line at 474-0203.