(WNY News Now) – SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), alongside the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), has launched a significant reward initiative following a series of firearm thefts from federal firearms licensees in upstate New York. The combined effort aims to incentivize information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for these criminal acts.
The recent spate of burglaries targeting federally licensed firearm retailers has raised concerns about the potential for these stolen weapons to contribute to violent crime. The details of the thefts are as follows:
- AJ Archery, located at 3938 Nelson Heights, Cazenovia, NY, was targeted on August 16, 2024. Burglars forced entry into the premises and stole 24 firearms. The investigation is being conducted by ATF Special Agents from the Syracuse Field Office and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.
- MD Arms, situated at 2649 James St Suite 105, Syracuse, NY, was hit on August 15, 2024. Thieves breached the store and stole three firearms. The Syracuse Police Department and ATF Special Agents from the Syracuse Field Office are handling the investigation.
- McLain’s Sporting Goods, at 1001 Union Center Maine Hwy, Endicott, NY, experienced a break-in on August 7, 2024. Six firearms were stolen after individuals forced entry. This case is under investigation by the Syracuse Field Office of ATF, Endicott Police Department, and Broome County Sheriff’s Office.
- Denver’s Firearms, located at 22088 US-11 Unit 115-B, Watertown, NY, was burglarized on July 27, 2024. Thieves stole 12 firearms after forcing their way into the store. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and ATF Special Agents from the Syracuse Field Office are investigating.
Tommy Kalogiros, Acting Special Agent in Charge for ATF in New York, emphasized the gravity of these thefts, stating, “In a country plagued with shootings, every stolen gun has the potential to create victims of violent gun crime. Federal Firearms Licensees are the first line of defense in stopping the flow of firearms into the hands of those who would use them to commit crimes and threaten the safety of our communities. ATF is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to apprehend the suspects responsible for these burglaries and to stop the cycle of violence.”
To aid in the investigations, ATF is offering a reward of up to $2,500, which will be matched by NSSF, totaling $5,000. This reward is part of a broader national initiative where NSSF matches ATF’s reward for cases involving the theft of firearms from federally licensed retailers.
Anyone with information on these crimes is urged to contact ATF at 888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov, or submit an anonymous tip via the “ReportIt” app or at www.reportit.com.
For further details on ATF and its programs, visit www.atf.gov and follow the New York Field Division on Twitter @ATF New York.
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