Local officials are asking for the public's help in reporting suspicious activities, like strange vehicles driving slowly though a neighborhood etc. in an effort to find those responsible for a large number of weapons stolen from homes in Walker and Chattooga counties. 

Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader thinks three recent daytime burglaries on the north end of the county may be related to a recent rash of gun thefts in Walker County. Schrader met with Walker County officials on the matter last week. 

"We don't know if it's someone from here going over there, or something from there coming over here," Schrader explained.  

Although publicly asking for help alerts the criminals the law are out looking, Sheriff Schrader says people's safety if of the utmost importance.  Schrader says these criminals are armed and believes the public should be prepared.

The officials suspect two or more people are burglarizing homes in northern Chattooga and southern Walker County looking primarily for guns.

Schrader said there are about 50 guns floating around somewhere. The thieves are reportedly steeling handguns, shotguns, rifles and even assault rifles. 

The sheriff says the thieves are possibly targeting homes that appear to have no one there largely because there aren't any vehicles outside. Schrader says he is concerned that thieves will target a home and someone will be there. 

A GBI crime scene technician has been helping local lawmen process the crime scenes for evidence.