Local gun stores are noticing an increase in stolen guns accessories, worries about resellers
Apr 20, 2022, 7:01 PM | Updated: Jun 20, 2022, 1:35 pm
OGDEN, Utah — A gun store in Ogden is reporting a handful of stolen gun accessories.
Retail Manager Kyle Gammon, with Impact Guns in Ogden, said they started noticing stolen items over the last couple of months when inventory wasn’t lining up.
“Small parts, like hand stops, magazine releases, safety selectors, and things you can easily fit in a pocket,” Gammon said.
Some other items are being carried and concealed out the door stolen, too.
“One was a 15″ handguard for an AR-15 worth right around $207. That’s not an insignificant chunk of change,” Gammon said.
Rolling back security camera footage, they noticed people on camera walking out with items.
In one instance, the whole theft began with a quick trip to the restroom.
“I think he staged in the bathroom, then left, grabbed the item, went right back in, put the packaging in the toilet tank, and I think (he) just hid it under his jacket and immediately walked out,” Gammon said.
Over the last year, the general manager said they’ve seen around a 30% increase in stolen inventory.
So far, the only things stolen have been gun accessories. Some quick math, and the stolen items add up fast.
“Prices for accessories, especially for firearms range anywhere from $20 to several hundred,” Gammon said.
He said before COVID-19 hit, they had at most eight to 10 people in the store. Now with restrictions lifting, more people started coming through the doors, and have ever since.
As for why people may be stealing now, Gammon said it could be people who purchased guns during the pandemic who want to update their gun parts.
For thieves, this means it’s not hard to make a buck, according to Jesse Anderson, the owner of Jesse James Firearms and Clearfield Firearms and Pawn.
“Go to other local gun stores, discount the price, and take them to your local pawn shops,” Anderson said.
Anderson has been working in the gun industry for nearly 40 years.
He said a person could steal items out of a store, take them to a gun show, and go home with cash.
“There are between 10,000 to 15,000 people that go through our gun shows. There are not only the dealers set up on the tables, but the regular individuals walking around and selling their own products. They’re just hand carrying a duffel bag, liquidating their own product, and at that point, you really don’t know if it’s stolen or not,” Anderson said.
He said the chances of seeing a stolen product with no serial number on it again are highly unlikely.
“It’s like throwing a rock in a river. You’re probably never going to see it again,” Anderson said.
