ATF and Firearms Industry Offer $10,000 Reward in Firearms Theft

Seeking Public’s Help in Firearms Theft from a Business

Millsboro, Del. – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms industry, have announced a combined reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft of firearms from Baker’s Hardware, a federal firearms licensee (FFL).

On Friday, May 5, 2017, at approximately 12:30 a.m., at least one suspect burglarized Baker’s Hardware, located at 28547 DuPont Blvd, Millsboro, Del. Approximately 13 handguns and 1 rifle were stolen. 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. This crime is being investigated by the Millsboro Police Department and the ATF.

"The ATF, along with the Millsboro Police Department and our other law enforcement partners, are committed to ensuring that our communities are safe and that those who violate federal firearm laws are held accountable," said Daniel L. Board Jr., Special Agent in Charge for the ATF Baltimore Field Division. "Keeping illegal firearms from hitting the streets is ATF’s number one priority. We will relentlessly pursue any criminals who attempt to acquire or distribute stolen weapons and we will utilize all of our resources to ensure that they are held accountable for their violent and dangerous actions."

This reward is 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 of firearms and is dedicated to assisting and protecting our industry partners as well as the community from those who seek to illegally obtain firearms," said Board.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call the ATF 24/7 hotline at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477) or send an email to ATFTips@atf.gov (link sends e-mail). Citizens can also send a text anonymously via the ReportIt® mobile app, available through www.reportit.com (link is external), using the ATF Baltimore Field Division as the location.

ATF is the lead federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction involving firearms and violent crimes, and regulates the firearm industry. More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.