4 guns stolen after smash-and-grab robbery at Parker gun store

PARKER, Colo. -- Possibly more than one suspect is armed and at-large in Parker after four guns were stolen in a smash-and-grab robbery overnight. 

The suspect or suspects broke the glass at Pony Express Firearms in the area of Mainstreet and South Parker Road just after midnight Saturday and reached through metal bars to take the firearms, according to Parker Police Commander Chris Peters. 

The robber or robbers took two AK-47s, one AR-15 rifle and one shotgun. 

"It's concerning that these guns are out in the public and in the hands of criminals," Peters told Denver7. "It's concerning that it was so easy to grab them as well. The security measures -- yes, there's bars on the windows but to just be able to reach in and grab these and take them in such a quick time, that's concerning as well," he said. 

While there are no federal regulations for gun dealer security, the ATF does have recommendations.

The agency has reported a national uptick in thefts from gun dealers, citing a seven percent increase from 2014 to 2015.

In Colorado, an ATF spokeswoman said approximately 120 guns have been stolen from dealers in the Denver metro so far this year.

"The industry is very concerned about this," said Dick Abramson, the general manager of Centennial Gun Club. "It's front of mind of everybody that owns a gun store and a range -- what can we do to prevent this?"

Abramson said he upgraded security after a thieves stole 14 guns from the Club's previous building in 2014.

"We try to make this place like Ft. Knox, but that doesn't mean somebody can't get in here," he said. "When they get stolen, you don't know where they're going, and that's a huge concern." 

This summer, thieves stole an estimated 60 firearms from two stores in Littleton, and one weapon was later used in the accidental shooting of a 13-year-old old.

Still, gun dealers such as Abramson do not feel there is a need for greater oversight.

"Every store is so different," said Abramson. "I think it would be very difficult to put any regulation in place that would fit everybody. One size fits all just isn’t going to work."

In the Parker investigation Saturday, detectives were working on any possible video surveillance in the area, but none has been found at this time that provides any leads in this case. A description of the suspect or suspects was also not immediately available. 

If anyone has information regarding this robbery, please call Parker Police Detective Gary Gerlach at (303) 805-6535, or the Parker Police main number at (303) 841-9800. This is an active and ongoing investigation.