ATF, NSSF Coordinate to Offer Reward in Firearm Theft Cases
Guns Stolen in South Carolina and Alabama
Not long after the recent release of the BATFE’s 2015 FFL Theft and Loss Report – which reported a total of nearly 15,000 lost or stolen firearms last year – the Bureau is trying to solve more firearm theft cases with the help of firearms industry industry trade association National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).
The BATFE, and NSSF have announced a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft of firearms from Lexington Pawn & Gun, a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL), in Lexington, SC. ATF is offering a reward of up to $5,000, which will be matched by the NSSF for a total reward of up to $10,000.
Two separate burglaries occurred at Lexington Pawn & Gun, 4884 Sunset Blvd, Lexington, SC. On Feb. 13, 2016, at approximately 4 AM, unidentified suspect(s) broke into Lexington Pawn & Gun. The suspect(s) stole several firearms and fled the scene.
On March 5, 2016, at approximately 2:08 AM, unidentified suspect(s) broke into Lexington Pawn & Gun. The suspect(s) stole several firearms and fled the scene.
These crimes are being investigated by ATF and the Lexington Police Department.
In a, presumably unrelated incident, a separate reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction for those responsible for the theft of firearms from Patriot Gun Sales in Montgomery, AL.
On March 10, 2016, Patriot Gun Sales, 3079 Wetumpka Highway, Montgomery, was burglarized and approximately 18 firearms were reported stolen to the Montgomery Police Department. ATF is offering the reward in the amount of $2,500, which will be matched by the NSSF for a total reward of up to $5,000.
These rewards are part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the NSSF and ATF in which NSSF matches ATF rewards in cases involving the theft of firearms from federally licensed firearms retailers. ATF works closely with members of the firearms industry to curb the criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms.
ATF along with our law enforcement partners are committed to ensuring that our communities are safe and that those who violate federal laws are held accountable. Anyone with information about these crimes should contact ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (800-283-4867). All calls will be kept confidential.