Rash of gun store break-ins, robberies 'unprecedented,' gun dealer says

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Gun dealers are on edge after a spike in break-ins and robberies.

Customers outside the Cash America on N. Tryon Street in north Charlotte went to the store Thursday to find the doors locked after a robbery at the business.

"It's terrible, it's terrible and scary," said Mary Outen, who came by to pawn items off.

The shop was robbed by armed suspects Wednesday afternoon. Thieves took 21 guns, according to a police report.

Thieves hit Mt. Holly Gun and Pawn on Monday. A Cornelius gun range was targeted Sunday. Criminals used an SUV to punch a hole in a Concord shop Friday.

Watch surveillance video of brazen break-in at Cornelius gun range

Local gun store owners are taking notice.

"We have never seen anything like this in the 60 years we have been in business," said Larry Hyatt, owner of Hyatt Guns in west Charlotte.

Channel 9 checked ATF statistics. North Carolina ranked only behind Texas, Florida and Georgia last year for thefts reported by licensed dealers. The stats don't include what has been a busy summer and fall.

"There's no good upside to this," said Walter Kimble, a security expert. He said the guns are as good as money on the streets.

Sometimes, a person has already offered to purchase the guns from the thieves before they are even stolen.

"It's almost a universal form of currency, both throughout our country and throughout the world," Kimble said.

All too often, the guns aren't seen again until they show up at crime scenes.

"We can see the devastation almost every day," he said.

Hyatt told Channel 9 he’s keeping in close touch with police, and police presence in the area has increased to deter future crimes.

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