FLINT, Mich., April 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the recovery of firearms and/or the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for the April 23 break-in and theft of firearms from Jerry's Gunsmithing and Black Powder Shop, a Federal Firearms Licensee located in Chesaning Township.

Jerry's Gunsmithing and Black Powder Shop also experienced a break-in on April 8, 2010, that is unsolved.  The reward money applies for this break-in also.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) will match any reward that is paid out by ATF.  Therefore there is a potential reward of up to $2,000.

"The theft of firearms from licensed gun dealers is a top priority for ATF," said Thomas Brandon, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the ATF Detroit Field Division.   "Our experience shows that these guns are quickly used in violent crimes.  We also know that tips from the public have resulted in the recovery of stolen firearms."

William Federspiel, Saginaw County Sheriff stated, "I encourage the citizens of Saginaw County and the surrounding area to contact the Saginaw County Sheriff's Office or ATF with any information they may have that may lead to the perpetrators of these crime."

ATF and the Saginaw County Sheriff's Office are seeking the public's assistance in identifying the individuals responsible.  Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Saginaw County Sheriff's Office  at 989-790-5446 or the ATF Flint Field office at 810-341-5710.  Callers may also call ATF at 1-800 ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or text their tip to 274637 (CRIMES) with "ATF" in the body of the text.

For more information on ATF, go to www.atf.gov.

Contact: Special Agent Donald Dawkins
Public Information Officer, ATF
(313) 407-6018 Cell

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives