ATF Offers Reward in Gun Store Burglary

ATF, Athens Police Department and the Firearms Industry Seek the Public's Help in Nashville Firearms Theft

ATHENS, Ala. — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in conjunction with the Athens Police Department and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms industry, have announced a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction for those responsible for the theft of firearms from Bradford’s Jewelry and Pawn, a federal firearm licensee (FFL).

On March 20, 2017, Bradford’s Jewelry and Pawn, 314 Marion Street, Athens, was burglarized and approximately 63 firearms were reported stolen to the Athens Police Department. ATF industry operations investigators are in the process of conducting an inventory to determine the exact number of firearms stolen.

ATF is offering the reward in the amount of up to $2,500, which will be matched by the NSSF for a total reward of up to $5,000. This reward is part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the NSSF and ATF in which NSSF matches ATF’s reward in cases involving the theft of firearms from federally licensed firearms retailers. ATF works closely with members of the firearm industry to curb the criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms.

Anyone with information about this crime should contact the ATF at (800) ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or the Athens Police Department (256) 233-8700. Information can also be sent to ATF via the mobile app www.reportit.com (link is external) by using the Nashville field division as the location.

ATF is the lead federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction involving firearms and violent crimes, and regulates the firearm industry. More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.