Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

DETROIT — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms industry, today announce a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft of firearms from the Moe’s Hardware, a federal firearm licensee (FFL).

ATF is offering a reward in the amount of up to $3,000 that will be matched by the NSSF for a total reward of up to $6,000.  This reward is part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the NSSF and ATF in which NSSF matches the ATF reward in cases involving the theft of firearms from federally licensed firearms retailers.  ATF works closely with members of the firearms industry to curb the criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms.

In the early morning hours of Monday, June 22, 2015, employees of Moe’s Hardware, at 162 S. Maple Street, Grant, Mich., discovered that 22 handguns were missing from a glass case within the store.  Entry was made by breaking the front glass of the store.

“The theft of firearms from licensed gun dealers is a top priority for ATF,” said S. Robin Shoemaker, special agent in charge of the ATF Detroit Field Division.  “This is a very serious crime.  Our experience shows us that guns move swiftly when in the hands of violent criminals, and end up being used in violent crimes.  Our experience also tells us that tips from the public result in the recovery of stolen firearms.”

ATF and the Grant Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the individual(s) responsible.  Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Grant Police Department at (231) 834-7212 or ATF at (616) 301-6140.  Callers may also call ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867).                                                                             

 ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating violations of federal firearms laws.  More information about ATF and its programs can be found at www.atf.gov.

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