The Polk County Sheriff’s office and the ATF are investigating the theft of dozens of guns from the Titan Arms store on South Florida Avenue early Sunday.

Suspects stole 26 firearms in two minutes



One customer lost rifle worth about $4,000



Sheriff criticized store for lack of good security



Sheriff Grady Judd said several thieves arrived at the store in a pickup truck and the theft happened fast.

“They arrive with sledgehammers and break out the burglar bars. They entered the store. In two minutes they stole 26 firearms," Judd said.

"Those people knew what they were getting,” said Lakeland resident Rusty Bullock.

Bullock said he had a gun worth about $4,000 stolen in the heist. The shop was working on the gun for him.

"And then to have some dirt bag go in there and steal my hunting rifle that I just had customized," he said, "that is real upsetting."

Investigators believe the suspects were driving an extended cab brown Ford pickup.

Sheriff Judd made a point of criticizing the security of the store. He said it had weak burglar bars, not much of a security system and the guns were on display on walls.

"I'll tell you right now right up front, our detectives are very frustrated with them. It was absolutely low hanging fruit for professionals," Judd said.

A representative for Titan Arms declined comment for this story.

Bullock said he is friends with the store owner.

"Instead of concentrating on lack of security and preventative stuff, let’s concentrate on putting some guys in jail for trying to destroy this guy's life," Bullock said.

The ATF is offering a $5,000 reward in the case. The tip line number is 800-226-8477.