Gun Stores Make Security Upgrades After Brazen Break-Ins
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) – Colorado gun stores are making constant upgrades to store security in an effort to stay ahead of brazen criminals.
Officials with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms said that they had seen an increase in gun store break-ins like the one that happened Tuesday in Houston where thieves ripped off the metal front doors using a pickup truck.
Ten burglars rushed in, smashed glass cases and stole dozens of guns and rifles.
"Kind of horrifying to see how quickly (it happened) and how many people were there," said Richard Taylor, Manager at Firing-Line in Aurora. "It looks like their security could have possibly been a little bit better."
Taylor said Firing-Line has made big investments in its security system over the years.
"Obviously, we're a target, and we've got to make it as difficult as possible for criminals to get in," said Taylor. "We don't want any of our firearms ending up in the wrong hands."
Agents with the ATF had recovered several of the 85 weapons stolen in Houston.
"That's what's really scary about this, because now you've got this high number of firearms on the street potentially being trafficked to other criminals," said Robert Elder, an agent with the ATF.
Officials said that weapons stolen in that type of burglary often end up on the black market, and could be used in violent crimes.
Melissa Garcia has been reporting for CBS4 News since March 2014. Find her bio here, follow her on Twitter @MelissaGarciaTV, or send your story idea to mkgarcia@cbs.com.
