PHILADELPHIA – 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 reward for
information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the
theft of firearms from Lock's Philadelphia Gun Exchange, located at 6700
Rowland Avenue, Philadelphia. ATF is offering a reward in the amount of up to
$5,000, which will be matched by the NSSF for a total reward of up to $10,000.
This reward is part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the
NSSF and ATF in which NSSF matches ATF reward 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.
On Aug. 26th, at approximately 3:30 a.m., a burglary
occurred at the gun store and five handguns were stolen. On Sept. 1st, at
approximately 2:00 a.m. another break-in occurred, no firearms were taken.
Again, on Sept. 14th, at about 2:30 a.m., a burglary occurred and 12 handguns
were stolen. A total of 17 firearms were stolen during the burglaries at Lock’s
Philadelphia Gun Exchange. “ATF is soliciting the public’s help to come forward
with any information that will help investigators identify and arrest the gun
thieves.” Said ATF Special Agent in Charge Sam Rabadi. “Stolen guns are quickly
peddled through underground sales, or traded for drugs, and ultimately end up
at crime scenes, to include being used in acts of violence.”
This joint investigation is being conducted by ATF and the
Philadelphia Police Department. Anyone having information about the theft or
the individual in the surveillance photograph or video should call the ATF 24/7
hotline at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477) or email: ATFTips@atf.gov (link
sends e-mail). Information can also be sent to ATF via the mobile app
www.reportit.com/ (external link to reportit® ), using the Philadelphia field
division as the location.
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