Rocklin Gun Store's Cement Barrier Upsets City Officials
ROCKLIN (CBS13) — Rocklin city officials are at odds with a local gun store after the owner makes a brash security move.
This comes after a string of smash and grab burglaries at two other Rocklin gun stores.
"Criminals don't steal guns to collect them. They steal guns to commit crimes, violent crimes," said Rocklin Police Chief Ron Lawrence.
More than 100 guns were taken from the Gun Vault after crooks used a car to break through the front door.
The Rocklin Armory also had one weapon taken in a similar smash and grab.
"Were the only store in Rocklin that has not been hit," said Rob Adams, the owner of Sacramento Black Rifle.
Adams didn't want his shop to be next. He made some calls and got a donation from a friendly customer.
"We took it upon ourself to put these barriers here to keep the guns out of the hands of criminals," said Adams.
He put three K-Rails around the store front.
At about 8,000 lbs each, K Rails are typically used for lining construction zones on highways, the city says they don't belong in a parking lot.
"There are written standards and guidelines and also a planning commission that oversees," said Sarah Novo, with the Rocklin City Code Enforcement.
City's concern is parking space sizes and the overall look.
"I understand the emotional reaction to plop down a cement barrier in front of the store to prevent this type of crime, but it sends the wrong message," said Lawrence.
"As they sit around and talk around a round table discussing how to fix the problem, I'm fixing it," said Adams, "I'm doing it."
Adams says the city can fine him all they want.
"I don't care what they have to say, I'm not taking them down, I'm not moving them."
The k rails don't impose on the sidewalk, and Adams says the landlord hasn't complained..
"Because they're not aesthetically pleasing to them, they want me to do something else. I'm not going to do it," said Adams.
"The aesthetics of the community are very important because the citizens who lives here need to feel like this is their home," said Lawrence.
Other gun stores are taking steps within the guidelines. Since being broken into, The Gun Vault spent thousands to install approved barricades.
Adams says he's already spent more than $30,000 on a 42 camera security system. He says the K Rails are a free security blanket.
"I'm being proactive," "They are being reactive."
The back and forth may end soon. Adams says his business lease ends in February. A new store in Citrus Heights is being built.