Those in the Buckeye State curious about a suspect firearm can now go online and check out the searchable Ohio Stolen Gun Portal.

Announced this week by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, the database is compiled from information by law enforcement agencies throughout the state and is authorized for release to the public. You can only search for serial number queries, and the data does not use information from agencies outside of the state. Should the database return a match, the user is directed to notify the agency that originally reported the firearm stolen.

"With our new portal, when buying a used firearm, private citizens and firearms dealers can instantly check to see whether a gun was previously reported as stolen," Yost said. "This is a tool for gun buyers and law enforcement alike that will lead to the recovery of stolen firearms and serve as a deterrent for criminals seeking to make a quick buck."

Hardin County Sheriff Keith Everhart, president of the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association, said the new tool can help speed up recovery of missing guns while at the same time contributing to public safety. 

“We believe this will assist law enforcement in Ohio with the recovery of many stolen weapons, which will enable us to return them to the proper owner as well as keep stolen firearms off the streets and out of the criminals’ hands,” he said. 

Yost's office said the database is updated on a nightly basis.