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Beech Grove gun store owner taking extra protections against thieves

After a May 2023 smash-and-grab theft, Beech Grove Firearms owner Greg Burge installed concrete barriers in front of his store.

BEECH GROVE, Ind. — Gun store owners are spending thousands of dollars to protect their businesses against thieves. 

Earlier this week, suspects allegedly crashed a stolen car into a Greenwood gun store and stole several guns. 

In May 2023, Beech Grove Firearms was victim to a similar crime. Investigators say these crimes are happening a lot recently.

"Unfortunately, this has become the primary modus operandi on the way these burglaries are currently occurring over the last month or two, for sure," said John Nokes, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Greg Burge, owner of Beech Grove Firearms, installed concrete barriers in front of his store. 

"They weigh 3,500 pounds a piece," Burges said.

Credit: WTHR
Beech Grove Firearms shows off new protective barriers following a May 2023 "smash and grab" by thieves.

The barriers line the entire outside of the building. 

"It's not very esthetically pleasing. However, I'm more concerned about keeping bad people from doing bad things, versus cosmetics at this point," Burge said.

Burge said he wants something done on the state level to punish for this crime.

"I think it's time for the legislatures to put enhancements into a gun store burglary, my personal opinion, you know, say 10 years. You break into a gun store and steal a firearm, it's a 10-year mandatory sentence. Now that's just an another layer of deterrent," Burge said.

He's hoping all the work he has done to protect his business pays off.

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