Missoula Sees Fewer Felonies But More Vehicle Thefts

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - The Missoula County Attorney’s Office filed 10 new felony complaints this week, which is 12 fewer than last week and much lower than the weekly average. Chief Deputy County Attorney Mac Bloom provided the report. 

“We had four violent persons crimes, four drug crimes, and two administrative crimes,” Bloom said. “This is the first week in a long time we haven't had any property crimes, so that was kind of nice.” 

Over the past few weeks, Bloom said they have been seeing an increase in the number of thefts from vehicles. 

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“Please lock your vehicles and don't store your valuables in there,” Bloom said. “The legislature did recently amend one of the theft statutes to allow a felony for theft of any vehicle. It used to be based on the value of the vehicle. Now stealing any vehicle is a 10-year felony. They also just added a new felony this year for theft of a firearm.” 

Bloom said they were seeing a lot of people car hopping and trying to steal guns out of vehicles. 

“That is a felony now, which is new in 2025,” Bloom said. “The penalties are getting stiffer to try to kind of dissuade this stuff but I just want to remind the listeners to keep their valuables locked up and don't store things in cars because folks do like to try to break windows or get in in other ways.” 

Bloom said criminals will often target vehicles that might have fishing or hunting equipment in them. 

“Maybe they are getting ready to go the following day and they leave it in their car overnight and someone notices there's fly rods or maybe a nice hunting rifle,” Bloom said. “That's really common in Montana. We love to enjoy the outdoors, but consider not storing your good, expensive gear in your vehicle overnight because it is a target.” 

The Missoula County Attorney’s Office provides a weekly crime report every Friday morning at 9:00 on Talk Back.