FENTON, Mo. — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced Wednesday a reward for information leading to the identity and arrest of those responsible for stealing guns from a federally licensed firearms dealer.
According to a press release from ATF Wednesday evening, they are offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to recovering the stolen guns as well.
A family-owned sporting goods store in Fenton was burglarized for the fourth time in four years early Tuesday morning.
Sean McNamara, who is the general manager of the Denny Dennis Sporting Goods on Gravois Road, told 5 On Your Side they caught five thieves on their surveillance cameras around 4 a.m. smashing in their front door and getting away with seven guns.
The St. Louis County Police Department said there was a white sedan with a possible temp tag and a black SUV involved.
The ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction over violations of federal firearms laws and is responsible for regulating the firearms industry.
This is the fourth time the business has been broken into since 2018. They have been in the community for 67 years.
"It's just been a spike in the past couple of years that it's been insane, and you know he works very hard for what he's got and he's very fair to everybody and it's just...it's annoying," McNamara said.
John Ham with the Kansas City office that oversees St. Louis said there had been an uptick locally in the last six to eight months.
"We are working with the firearm industry to ensure those shops are aware and they are taking precautions to protect their property," Ham said.
Between cameras and blocking doors, McNamara emphasized his staff had taken every step to stay secure.
After getting the door fixed quickly, they were open for business the same day.
The ATF will work with St. Louis County police to investigate this incident.
Ham also that as soon as the department is made aware of a theft, it is important to get the firearms off the street as soon as possible.
Anyone with a tip who wants to remain anonymous and is interested in a reward can contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).
Anyone with information about this theft should contact ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (800-283-4867). Tipsters can also email ATFTips@atf.gov, contact ATF through its website at www.atf.gov/contact/atftips, or by texting ATFKC to 63975.
Tips can also be submitted using the ReportIt app, available from both Google Play and the Apple App Store, or by visiting www.reportit.com. Tipsters can remain anonymous.