Gun store burglary nets 51 weapons worth $26K

By DEUCE NIVEN

     An overnight break-in last week at The Gun Exchange near Whiteville netted thieves 51 weapons worth more than $26,000 dollars, Columbus County Sheriff’s Office reports show.
     Store workers discovered the break-in Friday morning, thieves apparently making entry after closing Thursday night by forcing open a door, sheriff’s spokeswoman Michelle Tatum said Monday.
     A total of 43 handguns and 8 rifles worth about $26,600 were taken, a report by Sgt. Joseph Gore said. Cutting and pry tools were apparently used to get in the store, the report showed.
     Stolen weapons included revolvers and semi-automatic handguns including .22, .38, and .45 caliber and 9mm weapons; rifles including .223, .40, .45, .556, and 7.62 caliber firearms.
     An investigation is ongoing, Tatum said. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office.
    Look for additional details, as they become available, here and in Tabor-Loris Tribune in print and online.