ATF and Firearms Industry Offer $10K Reward in Philadelphia Gun Thefts 17 Handguns Stolen from Firearms Retailer

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.