Weapons Lifted In Arlington Smash N' Grab
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ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) - Federal and local law enforcement are trying to recover 32 handguns, nine rifles and two shotguns that were stolen after a break-in at an Arlington gun shop.
Surveillance cameras captured burglars rushing in at 3 a.m. to grab as many guns as they could carry. "It looks like they used this rock – about 20 lbs or so – and put it through the window," said Mikhail Orlov, the owner of 1800GunsAndAmmo.com.
Orlov said the thieves seemed to grab guns indiscriminately. "The more expensive AR's were within reach, and yet they didn't take them. They took the cheaper ones," he said.
He's not sure if they didn't know better or if they were focused on guns that are easier to sell. Orlov thinks they certainly had a knack for timing. "It almost appears like there was a tip-off, and maybe there was," he said.
The thieves struck just eight hours before Orlov was set to move his inventory of guns next door to a more secure location with metal gates and bars on the windows.
"We put security in the forefront of this place," said Orlov, of the other location.
Orlov said recent break-ins at a gun shops in Plano and Houston inspired him to take tougher measures. "Being seen as lacking security or contributing to guns showing up on the street is something we're always concerned about," he said. Orlov only regrets he didn't have the new security measures in play sooner. The business is now offering a $1,000 gift card to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of the thieves responsible.
Arlington Police said the thieves got away in a black Ford F-150. A similar truck, stolen out of Garland, was recovered in Dallas Thursday afternoon.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is aiding the investigation.
A spokesperson said the department has seen an increase in gun shop burglaries, but that the theft in Arlington does not appear to be linked to others around the state, except perhaps as a copycat crime.
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