September 22, 2016
Source/ATF
Surveillance footage of gun theft at Lock's Philadelphia Gun Exchange, located at 6700 Rowland Avenue in Mayfair.
Two teenagers face charges after they were arrested in connection with three burglaries at a Northeast Philadelphia gun shop.
The juvenile males, who were not identified by authorities because of their age, are charged with Criminal Conspiracy, Burglary, Criminal Mischief, Criminal Trespass and related offenses, Philadelphia police said.
None of the 17 firearms taken during the burglaries have been recovered, however, police said.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) – the trade association for the firearms industry – had announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the thefts from Lock's Philadelphia Gun Exchange at 6700 Rowland Ave. in Mayfair.
Police said the reward generated tips from the public, which spurred investigation by Northeast Detectives and other authorities that led to the identification of the suspects.
Five handguns were taken in the first burglary at the store on Aug. 26 about 3:30 a.m. Another break-in occurred on Sept. 1, though no guns were taken. On Sept. 14th, at about 2:30 a.m., another burglary led to the theft of 12 more handguns were stolen, police said.
This joint investigation is being conducted by ATF and the Philadelphia Police Department. Anyone having information about the theft or location of the weapons should call the 215-686-TIPS or ATF 24/7 hotline at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477) or email: ATFTips@atf.gov.gun
