Authorities looking for thieves who have stolen dozens of guns in string of Dallas-area break-ins

Authorities are looking for the thieves behind a string of break-ins at North Texas gun stores in recent weeks.

The first burglary took place about 2:15 a.m. April 13, according to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Five people broke into Elliot White Gun Co. in the 6200 block of Rufe Snow Drive in North Richland Hills and took nine firearms and several gun accessories before fleeing in a red older-model Ford Escape.

On Sunday, five people broke into Republic Arsenal, in the 300 block of State Highway 121, just after 3 a.m. They smashed a display case and stole 18 guns and ammo, then made their escape in a red older-model Ford Escape, authorities said.

Four people broke into SK Arms, in the 1200 block of Flower Mound Road, about 1:10 a.m. Monday, according to the ATF, and took 15 guns after shattering several display cases.

The ATF said the burglars wore masks, hoods and gloves during each break-in.

A reward of up to $10,000 is available for information that leads to an arrest in this case. Tips can be made to the ATF at 1-888-283-8477, atftips@atf.gov or atf.gov/contact/atftips.

“Every day that these stolen firearms remain on the streets it increases the chances of them being used in a violent crime,” Jeffrey C. Boshek II, the ATF’s special agent in charge in Dallas, said in a written statement.