STUART, Va. — The Patrick County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a break-in at a home in Ararat this week which netted the theft of a gun and other property.

Sheriff Dan Smith is enlisting the aid of the public in trying to solve the case involving a residence on Doe Run Road.

The break-in occurred Sunday while the homeowners were at church, Smith said.

Items stolen include a .22-caliber bolt-action rifle, a Motorola cell phone and assorted loose change.

The Patrick sheriff is asking anyone with information relating to the crime to come forward and contact either him or Lt. Katherine Layman at (276) 694-3161.