FORT MILL, SC — For the third time in a year, someone has smashed their way into the Cabela's outdoor store off I-77 in York County and stolen guns. On Saturday, someone used a rock to break a showroom window and then smashed a gun case to take weapons.
RELATED: 3 arrested, accused of stealing 30 guns from Cabela's in York County
The smash and grab burglaries have led to dozens of stolen guns on the street and Channel 9 has found it's a problem at Cabela's stores across the country.
We looked at other Charlotte-area gun dealers to see how they handle security. The Hyatt Gun Shop in west Charlotte is built like a fortress. There is surveillance 24 hours a day. Outside the store, barriers keep vehicles from ramming into the building. There's another layer of security behind the glass with bars mounted in the window.
"In our store, we've had 42 people arrested who were trying to break in," owner Larry Hyatt explained.
And even if thieves did get inside, there's another security measure.
"We put our guns in safes," Hyatt explained.
RELATED: Thieves smash through Cabela's front door, steal guns
After three successful smash and grab burglaries at the Fort Mill Cabela's, we asked if they're doing anything to improve security. We were told to contact corporate headquarters, but our calls were not returned.
Hyatt told us there can be consequences if it's too easy for crooks to steal guns.
"If things are happening that can be fixed, the bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms - which is the regulator of our business - can pull your firearms license for being irresponsible," he said.
A Channel 9 investigation last year found CMPD recovers 200 stolen guns on the street every month - many of them trace back to the city's most violent crimes.
Another series of in-depth investigations last year also revealed the Carolinas are a hotspot for dangerous gun thieves who traffic weapons to places like New York.
Cabela's does have an extensive alarm and security camera system, but some gun owners say that's still not enough.
RELATED: Gun thieves hit Fort Mill Cabela's again
"That's like going to a jewelry store that leaves everything out at night," offered gun owner Andy Hanes.
We discovered similar smash and grab burglaries at other Cabela's locations in Oklahoma City, Grand Rapids, Denver, and Springfield, Oregon.
All of those crimes happened since January 2017, and mean well over 100 stolen guns are on the street.
Cabela's statement:
"While the only items taken were classified as primitive weapons and all other firearms were secured, we are taking immediate and significant steps to secure the facility as well as reviewing additional security protocols."
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