Police investigate attempted burglary of Noblesville gun shop

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. – Hamilton County authorities are investigating an attempted burglary at a local gun store in Noblesville.

Police responded to Hoosier Armory off of 10th Street just after 4 a.m. Sunday morning.

A vehicle was found that had crashed into the front of the shop. According to the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, they believe the car was stolen and intentionally drove into the building.

“I was not aware of this happening in Hamilton County prior to this incident, but I have been aware of it happening in the state of Indiana,” said Joshua Kocher, chief deputy prosecutor in Hamilton County.

Down in Marion County, thieves targeted Beech Grove Firearms Inc. last year .

Owner Greg Burge has taken extra precautions around his store, including placing concrete blocks around the perimeter and pillars up front.

“With all that being said, it’s still not stopped, and other businesses are dealing with it,” said Burge.

According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, there have been around 16 burglaries of gun stores in the state in the last three years.

Only four of those tried using cars as battering rams for entry, but the ATF believes it’s becoming more common.

“Seeing vehicles being used to ram gun stores, that probably occurs about 20% of the time,” said Daryl McCormick, special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Columbus Field Division. “It’s hard to put a definite number on that, but we’ve been tracking that more closely the last few years.”

Burge said adding enhancements and other deterrents could help reduce the number of gun store burglaries.

He said the impact on public safety is much greater when guns get into the wrong hands.

“Currently how the laws are set up, burglarizing a gun store is really no different than burglarizing any other business,” he said.

As for the Noblesville attempt, the prosecutor’s office added they will be holding those accountable.

Police said this is still an open and ongoing investigation.

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