Police Investigate Smash-and-Grab Theft of 30 Handguns

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Warwick police investigate after a theft of multiple handguns from a local store.

News Summary

Warwick police are on the case of a smash-and-grab theft at Rhode Island Guns and Ammo, where 30 handguns were stolen. The incident involved five suspects, with ongoing investigations aiming to recover the firearms and assess safety in the community. Local business owners express concern over crime, while proposed legislation seeks to impose stricter penalties for such thefts.

Warwick, RI – Warwick police are investigating a smash-and-grab theft that resulted in the theft of 30 handguns from Rhode Island Guns and Ammo, located on Post Road. The incident took place just before 4 a.m. on a Thursday morning when a vehicle crashed through the entrance of the gun store, allowing several individuals to access and steal the firearms.

The crime involved five suspects who are believed to have come from out of state. According to police reports, four of these individuals entered the store to carry out the theft, while a fifth person acted as the getaway driver. The police confirmed that the vehicle used in the break-in was stolen and was later found abandoned outside a nearby restaurant, Greggs, located down the road from the gun shop.

As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the theft, prompting concerns among local authorities. Warwick Police Chief Bradford Connor noted that an investigation is ongoing, and there have been attempts to steal other motor vehicles in the area. The department is focused on recovering the stolen firearms and has taken precautionary measures by entering all stolen guns into a national database to monitor any involvement in future crimes.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is assisting with the investigation due to the potential interstate nature of the suspects, as police suspect these individuals might have connections to similar crimes reported in Connecticut. The local community has expressed shock and concern over the incident, especially as the neighborhood is typically quiet, leaving residents questioning how such an audacious crime could occur without detection.

In light of the incident, Democratic state Representative Charlene Lima is advocating for legislation aimed at imposing stricter penalties for smash-and-grab thefts. Lima has introduced a bill that proposes a mandatory two-year prison sentence for those convicted of such crimes. She is actively collaborating with House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi to push for the legislation’s passage, which underscores the broader concern about rising crime rates and safety within communities.

Police Chief Connor highlighted the potential dangers that the stolen guns could pose if they fall into the wrong hands on the streets. The ongoing investigation not only focuses on recovering the firearms but also aims to address the root of the problem by probing into patterns of similar thefts seen nationwide.

Local business owners are expressing nervousness regarding safety in light of the theft, reflecting a growing unease among community members. As Warwick police continue to work tirelessly to apprehend the suspects and recover the stolen goods, the fear of further incidents looms over this typically tranquil town.

As the investigation unfolds, local authorities are urging anyone with information related to the crime or the suspects to come forward, hoping to restore a sense of security to the Warwick community while establishing measures to prevent future incidents of this nature.