The men stole 50 guns in under two minutes. Source: Crime Stop Houston
This dramatic footage shows the shocking moment a group of brazen thieves pulled down the door of a gun store and then grabbed pistols and handguns by the sack full.
The hooded thieves forced their way into the store and then rushed in, smashing a row of glass cases withhammers and seizing handguns.
One man could be seen scooping up at least four rifles from behind the counter. It is thought as many as 10 suspects ransacked the store and made off with at least 50 weapons.
Surveillance video released by Houston police show the thieves pulling up outside at Carter's Country Guns and Ammo in the 11000 block of South Wilcrest Drive on Tuesday around 4.30am (local time).
The footage shows several people tying chains to a black Ford F-250 and the doors of the store.
They then revved the car forward yanking the doors right off their hinges.
They then sprinted into the store, where some grabbed a handful of rifles from behind the counter while others smashed display cases with hammers before making off with pistols.
They then left the store and returned to the same truck.
The hooded thieves smashed a row of glass cases with hammers and seized handguns. Photo / Crime Stop Houston
Police believe they switched vehicles about a block away and made off in a Chevrolet Traverse SUV.
Robert Sarabia, a customer at the store, told KHOU.com: "I'm very shocked, and I'm very stunned this could happen to these people.
"You wouldn't think this could happen in our neighborhood. I live right across the way. I've heard of nothing like this before."
"These types of crimes are becoming more prevalent in the Houston area," said Robert Elder, Special Agent in Charge with the ATF Houston Field Division.
He added: "Typically the groups that are stealing these will sell them for a profit, and they will a lot of times be sold to other criminals in the area and in surrounding areas.
"It's a source of guns. It's a black market source of guns for the criminal element."
Jeff McShan, a spokesman with the Harris County District Attorney's Office and Crime Stoppers, said three of the suspects have now been arrested.
Crime Stoppers will offer up to $5000 for information about the robbery. Any witnesses are urged to call 713-222-TIPS (8477).
