Police are attempting to identify the suspect responsible for a Tuesday morning smash-and-grab at a northeast sporting goods store that saw three rifles and nine handguns removed.

According to police, the break-in occurred at approximately 4:40 a.m.but the theft was not noticed until approximately 6:30 a.m. The suspect, a male, gained entry to the Cabela's store in the 800 block of 64 Avenue Northeast by smashing through the glass door at the main entrance with a crowbar.

Once inside, the suspect approached the glass displays containing handguns and long guns and removed more than $10,000 worth of weapons including:

A .223 calibre Bennelli semi-automatic (restricted)

A .223 calibre XM 15 Bushmaster semi-automatic (restricted)

A .22 calibre M&P 1522 Smith & Wesson semi-automatic

A.40 calibre 941 Jericho semi-automatic handgun

A .45 calibre Glock 21 semi-automatic

A 9 mm PX4 Storm Beretta semi-automatic

A 9 mm 92FS Beretta semi-automatic

A.40 calibre 22GEN4 Glock semi-automatic

A 9 mm 941 Jericho semi-automatic

A 10 mm 20C Glock semi-automatic

A 9 mm 17C Glock semi-automatic

A .40 calibre 22C Glock semi-automatic

"The inference is these guns were targeted specifically to be used in illicit offences," CPS Staff Sergeant Quinn Jacques.

The thief fled less than four minutes after entering the store but the act was captured by Cabela’s surveillance cameras. At the time of the break-in, a store manager was inside a back room and did not hear the theft.

“My understanding is that the alarm was deactivated as an employee was on site doing some administrative work,” said Jacques.

Jacques says there has been a noticeable increase in firearm thefts in the Calgary area and he would not be surprised if the weapons surfaced during future criminal investigations.

“We’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of thefts of firearms -pistols, long guns – both in residential and commercial break-ins,” said Jacques. “Often we’re finding these guns later on in other investigations during search warrants or at the scenes of violent crimes.”

Anyone with information about the break-in, the suspect’s identity or the location of the firearms, is asked to contact the Calgary Police Service, 403-266-1234, or Crime Stoppers.