The Edmonton Sun:
CALGARY — At least 30 stolen guns are on city streets after a southeast shooting range was ransacked Thursday morning.
A window was shattered at the Calgary Shooting Centre about 4 a.m., police said, and thieves may have used a truck to skirt the metal security to get inside.
“Once inside, the suspects smashed several display cases,” duty inspector Patty McCallum told reporters at police headquarters late Thursday.
McCallum declined to comment on how long the crooks were inside, but said security patrollers responded to the shop at 7130 Fisher Road S.E. shortly after the break-in.
Investigators are withholding what weapons were taken.
Police are now hunting for at least three suspects, but they were unable to give descriptions.
When asked about the possibility it was an inside job, McCallum said “that would be an avenue we are pursuing.”
However, she added, investigators aren’t narrowing their search at this time.
The robbery has authorities alarmed.
Thieves rarely target gun shops, McCallum said, adding: “It’s always a concern to law enforcement agencies when you have several guns taken.”
An official from the Calgary Shooting Centre declined to comment when reached late Thursday.
According to its website, the centre carries “a full line of hand guns, rifles, shotguns, ammunition and accessories.” It also houses shooting lanes and a cinema range.
Police said all firearms were stored properly at the facility.
J.R. Cox, owner of The Shooting Edge Inc., said gun ranges must have alarm systems, house weapons in secure storage and be constantly monitored.
“Most companies go far beyond that,” Cox said.
“We don’t sell cotton candy,” he added. “We’re expected to have as tight of security as possible.”
