ALLEGAN COUNTY (WHTC-AM/FM) — The owners of Graafschap Hardware and the shop’s gunsmith are making a public appeal to be alert for a collection of guns stolen from the Allegan County shop.
In Facebook posts — they first announced a delayed opening so the shop’s staff could deal with the break in, then shared a list of the stolen guns, stating, in part:
“As some of you already know, we were broken into last night. Only “rack” firearms were stolen, no layaway items were taken.
“We know our customers like to shop around, so if you see these firearms for sale anywhere by anyone please call Allegan Sheriffs Department.
“We appreciate the support the community has shown us and we are moving forward!”
The news drew both sympathy for the store’s owners and employees, and fury at and speculation about the culprits from fans of the historic hardware store. Graafschap Hardware has operated since A.H. Brink opened for business in 1860 and is currently run by the family’s fifth generation. The store caters to both homeowners and gun owners.
As of Sunday morning, the guns’ serial numbers had not yet been posted on a website dedicated to helping gun buyers check to see if they were about to purchase a stolen weapon: www.hotgunz.com.
Anyone with information on the crime is asked to contact the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office at (269) 673.0500 (ask for the detective office) or call Silent Observer at 1 (800) 554-3633. Silent Observer offers cash rewards for tips leading to arrests and convictions.
