Bought a Bow on Craigslist? They Might Be Stolen from RI DEM

A dozen bows stolen from a state Department of Environmental Management facility have been sold to unsuspecting people on craigslist this month, officials said, and the ID numbers for each have been reported to the National Crime Information Center so they can be traced.

Twelve Genesis bows were stolen from the facility and may have been sold on craigslist from a seller in West Warwick, the DEM said in a release. Two have been recovered and they're valued at about $180 each.

The bows aren't hunting bows, but instead, used by the DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife to introduce and teach archery skills to students in its Hunter Education program.

The programs include Bowhunter Education training, Women's Day at the Range, Archery in Schools and other events, which "will be impacted until this equipment is recovered or replaced," the release stated.

"The Division is committed to teaching outdoor skills to the next generation in an effort to inspire an interest and concern for wildlife and wild places, and to engage the public in wildlife conservation and shooting sports."

Among the stolen bows that have not been recovered are eight Genesis compound bows that measure 35.5 inches from axle to axle and weigh 3.5 pounds each.  Seven are brand new and were still in the original packaging when taken. These include four right-handed orange bows, and three left-handed lime green bows.  In addition, a used, right-handed orange bow was also taken.   Also, two Genesis Mini bows still in the original packaging were stolen.  These include one right-handed red bow and a blue left-handed bow. 

DEM is asking anyone who may have purchased one of these bows to contact the Division of Law Enforcement at 222-3070.  This is an effort to recover stolen property that is needed for DEM’s Hunter Education program.  No one will be prosecuted for purchasing the stolen bows.