Gun store thefts: 5 times firearms retailers were targeted

The break-in reported Monday at a Miami Twp. gun dealer is the latest in a string of crimes involving area weapons suppliers.

Authorities said they are seeking suspects after they said one weapon was missing from the Miami Armory on Kingsridge Drive after a front window was found smashed Monday morning after an alarm was set off around 6:30 a.m.

It is among at least a handful of break-ins or robberies at southwest Ohio gun dealers that have been reported, are being - or have been – prosecuted since August 2016. They include:

-JAN. 5, 2018: The theft of 22 guns at Firepower Arms & Supply on Reading Road in Mason resulted in the offering of up to $10,000 in rewards. The burglary occurred about 5 a.m. after forced entry resulted in the taking of 17 handguns and five "long guns," according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

RELATED: Theft of guns from Warren County gun shop prompts reward

-JULY 19, 2017: Suspects were captured on video surveillance taking 31 handguns and one rifle from Peabody Sports, a federal firearms licensee in Springboro. Two people forced their way into the building at 30 Tahlequah Trail, triggering an alarm, authorities said. A reward of up to $5,000 was offered, according to the ATF.

-MARCH 16, 2017: Suspects broke into Center Mass Defense on Hamilton Cleves Road in Butler County's Ross Twp. at 1:45 a.m., owner Faron Addis said.

The thieves stole four to six guns — hand guns, shot guns and rifles — and fired three to five rounds with their shotguns inside the shop, damaging the glass showcases and some weapons in the store, he said. Addis estimated the value of the guns and damage to the inside of the business at $4,000 to $5,000.

RELATED: More than 30 guns taken from Springboro store

-JUNE 3-5, 2016: An attempted break-in was reported at Vandalia Tactical on North Dixie Drive, Vandalia, and a break-in at the Dayton Armory on Seajay Drive, Beavercreek. In August, 2017, Michael D. Hanson, 20, of Trotwood, and Brandon D'Michael Warden, 20, of Dayton, were both indicted in those cases.

Hanson faces eight counts, including grand theft, breaking and entering, and attempted grand theft. Warden is accused of three felonies, including grand theft, and breaking and entering. Both cases are set for trial in March.

RELATED: Feds search for group who robbed Butler County gun shop

-FEB. 7, 2016: Twenty-five guns were stolen from the Vandalia Range and Armory on Corporate Center Drive. Police were called about 3:30 a.m. and found a smashed window on the south side of the building. A Springfield man, Denard Smith, was later indicted for the crimes, convicted and in August 2016 sentenced to four years in prison.

RELATED: Springfield man sentenced to 4 years for gun store break-ins

RELATED: Pair indicted in connection with gun shop burglaries

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