HOUSTON—Crime Stoppers and special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are searching for information on the professional crew of burglars who allegedly stole hundreds of firearms over recent weeks.
Eight gun stores and pawn shops have been hit in the past six weeks, officials said. In total, 274 firearms are reported to have been stolen in the various burglaries.
Investigators believe that professional crews of two to seven people systematically burglarized the stores at night, stealing guns when possible and or jewelry and electronics.
“We have three folks in custody right now, but there are others at large, and all it takes is for them to regroup and go back to doing what they do best, which is stealing,” said Lt. Jeff Stauber with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect(s) is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS (8477).
Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for any information called in to the 713-222-TIPS (8477) or submitted online that leads to the filing of felony charges or arrest of the suspect(s) in this case. Tips can also be sent by text message. Text TIP610 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637). All tipsters remain anonymous.
“We know from past experience people talk, family members are going to know. When you have this large amount of weapons on the street, someone knows something about this case,” Stauber said.
