Video shows men steal $50K worth of guns in heists

MCDONOUGH, Ga. — The owners of a local gun store tell Channel 2 Action News they're upgrading their security system after thieves broke in twice and stole more than 100 firearms.

The manager of the store told Channel 2’s Tom Regan he believes some of those weapons will be smuggled to other states.

Surveillance video from the American Heritage Range shows me how the burglars cleaned out his display cases that once held handguns.

“They were in here for a very small amount, period of time, they knew exactly what they wanted: handguns,” said store manager George Mazzant.

Store security cameras captured thieves fast at work in two separate burglaries grabbed a combined total of more than 100 firearms.

Police estimate the weapons would be worth over $50,000 sold on the street.

“Primarily handguns, semi-automatic pistols and revolvers. A few long guns as well,” Maj. Kyle Helgerson told Regan were some of the guns that were stolen.

“Where do you think these guns are going?” Regan asked Mazzant.

“Hate to say it, but on the street criminals are getting them," Mazzant said.

The manager said handguns are popular because their easy to conceal and sell to crooks who can't legally buy a gun.

“They ship them up north, where laws are tougher than down here," Mazzant said.

Mazzant told Regan after the first break-in, he began upgrading his security, but before they could finish the work …

“They break in again while we're in the middle of getting the work done,” Mazzant said.

Mazzant told Regan he is installing a steal security door and hardening other entry points to keep the thieves from getting in again.

Authorities say there's been a rash of gun shop burglaries in Georgia.

The ATF is helping in the investigation and offering a $5,000 reward.

Cox Media Group