Three military-style rifles and about 10 handguns were stolen early Monday in a break-in at a gun store along Fifth Avenue.
Burglars cut a large padlock off a metal gate covering the front door and windows before throwing bricks through a window to get inside Jolar Armory, located in the 800 block of Fifth Avenue, police said.
Despite an alarm triggered just after 3:30 a.m., the burglars grabbed about 10 pistols and revolvers and three Colt AR-15 rifles.
The burglars walked past many small-caliber pistols and numerous military-type rifles in a rack in order to reach a display case with the three Colt AR-15 rifles.
The AR-15 is a 5.56mm-caliber rifle. It's a basic, semi-automatic version of the U.S. military service rifle. It's also used by many police departments.
"We're concerned how these will be used," said New Kensington police Detective Sgt. Dennis Marsili. "Maybe turned on police. We need to get these off the streets."
Marsili said the burglars were gone before officers arrived within minutes of receiving the alarm.
Marsili said police found evidence not normally seen at crime sites. He declined to elaborate.
He said police are also checking store and neighborhood surveillance cameras.
The burglary was a first for long-time owner John Ciesielski whose store sells guns and military collectibles as well as hunting and fishing supplies.
"I think the loud alarm got to them, or more would have been taken," he said. "This could have been much worse."
Ciesielski is thankful that police didn't arrive when the burglars were there.
"If they loaded the guns they took, there could have been gunfire with police," he said.
Westmoreland County detectives and agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are joining in the investigation.
Anthony Tropea, ATF assistant agent in charge, confirmed from his Philadelphia office that agents are checking records.
Police couldn't provide a value for the guns taken.
Depending on features, the rifles legally sell for $1,200 to more than $2,000.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 724-339-7533 or 911.
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