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Firearms Industry to Offer Rewards in Gun Shop Burglary Cases

NEWTOWN, Conn. - The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) - the trade association for the firearms industry - announced today an important new initiative to aid law enforcement. The NSSF will now match any reward offered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of those responsible for breaking into a federally licensed firearms retailer store and stealing firearms.

NSSF launched this matching reward initiative in the wake of a spate of burglaries of firearms retailers. Last week ATF offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information in connection to the November 8, 2008, burglary of a Jasper, Ga. gun shop, Bargain Barn, where thieves smashed display cases and stole 40 firearms.

This new effort by NSSF further demonstrates the firearms industry's continuing commitment to work cooperatively with ATF and law enforcement in assisting them in their efforts to combat the criminal acquisition and misuse of firearm.

"From supporting the joint industry-ATF Don't Lie for the Other Guy anti-straw purchasing campaign and working with ATF and dealers on enhancing and improving store security, to working cooperatively with law enforcement agencies nationwide, members of the firearms industry have always taken seriously the criminal acquisition and misuse of our products," said NSSF President Stephen L. Sanetti. "NSSF's reward program is merely the most recent industry effort to assist law enforcement."
The NSSF reward payment will be issued only when and if ATF pays a reward.

"Our reward offer will assist ATF and local law enforcement in solving these 'smash and grab' burglaries against firearms retailers and lead to the recovery of stolen firearms before they can enter the illegal underground black market," said NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane.

SOURCE National Shooting Sports Foundation