Police are appealing for information to find a shotgun stolen after its owner left it on his garden wall.
The licensed firearm was stolen from outside a house in Becmead Avenue, Streatham, on October 31, and police are concerned it may have "ended up in the wrong hands".
Its 61-year-old owner was preparing for a shooting trip, and while he loaded his car just after 7am, left the unloaded gun in its leather sleeve on his front garden wall.
Only when he arrived at the destination of the shoot at 2pm did he realise the gun was missing and he reported the incident to police.
The owner now faces prosecution for breaching his shotgun licence conditions, which state while in transit the owner must take reasonable care of their firearm.
The shotgun could have been on the wall for up to seven hours.
Police urgently want to trace the firearm, and Lambeth's Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Nick Ephgrave, has made a personal appeal.
He said: "This is a serious matter and it is essential that we locate the firearm as it may have ended up in the wrong hands.
"We are appealing to anyone who was in the area that morning and may have seen someone taking the firearm or concealing it to contact us immediately.
"If you know were the firearm is please call us and we will come and collect it.”
Detective Constable Paul Kellman from Brixton CID is leading the investigation and can be contacted on 020 8649 2136.
Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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