Guns have been a hot commodity for consumers since the shootings in Newtown, Conn. But they have also been a popular item for thieves in recent weeks.

On Dec. 20, a man from the 400 block of Lambert Loop reported someone stole his M92 rifle.

There was no forced entry to the home and nothing else was reported missing.

 A man from the 300 block of Player Street said someone entered his home Dec. 19 and forced open the bottom drawer of his gun cabinet.

The person stole a pistol valued at about $190.

Nothing else was taken.

A man from the 5400 block of Wesley Road in Murrells Inlet reported a 9mm handgun was stolen from his bedroom by someone who broke into his home Dec. 21.

On Dec. 20, a man from Kingstree reported three handguns were stolen from his vehicle while he and his wife were eating supper at Miyabi's in Murrells Inlet.

Man arrested after family feud

 A deputy was sent to a home in the 100 block of Corner Loop in North Santee Dec. 22 because of problems between a woman and her 52-year-old brother.

She said he was intoxicated and was arguing with her and other family members.

She said he turned the power off to the house by flipping a switch on the breaker box.

The woman said this was a big problem because she has an infant and the house was vey cold.

After the deputy arrived, the man continued to yell at his sister.

He was warned to calm down by the officer but refused to do so.

Because he refused to lower his voice — and because he appeared to be intoxicated — he was arrested for disorderly conduct.

Man arrested for causing

problems at Food Lion

A manager of the Murrells Inlet Food Lion called for a deputy Dec. 26 because a man had been harassing customers.

The manager said the man was loitering near the doors and refused to leave when asked to do so.

He said the store was closed and he was afraid the man was planning to break in after everyone left.

The deputy saw the 43-year-old man leaning against a wall outside the store.

It is believed he was the same man  who, earlier in the evening, walked out of Carrabba's Italian Grill without paying for a meal.

When the deputy asked the man where he lives, he said "over there" while pointing at the highway.

While the deputy was talking to the man, another Food Lion worker walked out and said the man had tried to get one of the cash register drawers to open earlier in the evening.

The man was arrested for trespassing.

Stolen mail

Two men who live on Loblolly Court in Murrells Inlet reported mail was stolen from their mailboxes Dec. 17.

Both men live in the 4500 block.

One man said a Christmas card containing three checks totaling $500 was taken.

The other man said a Netflix movie was stolen.

Information is subject to change as the investigation proceeds. Individuals arrested and/or charged have not been convicted.

– Compiled by Scott Harper