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ATF continues investigation into 4 break-ins at gun shops

By Liz Foster
By Liz Foster

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There are dozens of stolen guns on the streets after four break-ins at gun shops across the area. The rash of smash-and-grabs is keeping federal investigators busy.

There have been four in the area recently, with three in the past week.

A Channel 9 map shows the thefts stretch the entire area. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating each break-in. Investigators haven't said if they know who any of the suspects are or if the break-ins may be connected.

Larry Hyatt, owner of Hyatt Gun Shop, told Channel 9’s Liz Foster that dozens of people have tried breaking in, during the nearly 60 years in business.

"We're pretty much responsible for not letting that happen," Hyatt said.

He asked a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officer to come through years ago and make suggestions to improve security. Now, he has several surveillance cameras, alarms, and barriers to keep someone from driving into his store. It has the capability to trap someone inside caught breaking in.

"Our store was set up to catch the criminal, not just get a video," Hyatt said.

He suggests other gun shop owners call police to have them make security suggestions.

"It's expensive. But you have to do it," he added.

Read our past coverage:

In the four recent break-ins, suspects stole at least 43 handguns and nine assault style rifles. Hyatt is worried those guns will end up in the wrong hands.

"These guns get out on the streets with no background checks, no permit, no anything. They fall right into the hands of drug dealers and unauthorized people," Hyatt said.

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