Posted: Aug 22, 2016 7:03 PM EDT <em class="wnDate">Monday, August 22, 2016 7:03 PM EDT</em>Updated: Aug 22, 2016 7:15 PM EDT <em class="wnDate">Monday, August 22, 2016 7:15 PM EDT</em> By Meghan Packer
ATLANTA (CBS46) -
Federal agents in Georgia are responding to an increase in burglaries targeting guns.
The latest incident happened over the weekend when five thieves rammed a truck into a Buford gun range and made off with more than 30 rifles and pistols.
“I’d like to say I was shocked, but unfortunately I was not,” said James Deir, the acting special agent in charge with the ATF’s Atlanta Field Division.
He said the ATF's local office has designated a group of investigators to focus on firearms trafficking.
"Their mission is to identify and disrupt groups that are burglarizing FFL's (Federal Firearms Licensees)," he said.
According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, there were 33 burglaries of federally licensed firearms dealers in Georgia last year. There have already been 32 so far this year.
"What we have seen is a drastic increase in the amount of firearms that are taken during each event,” said Deir.
The ATF reports 429 guns were stolen last year in the state, compared to more than 561 so far in 2016. Deir said there is an illegal market with a high demand for the guns stolen from retailers.
“Their firearms are easily disposed of on the streets of Atlanta,” he explained. “You can make a good profit stealing guns and selling them.”
The ATF works with retailers to advocate best practices to keep their inventory safe. One recommendation is to install concrete barriers out front to prevent a vehicle from driving into the building, or even parking a van or SUV in front of the building at night.
Comment