Nineteen guns were stolen Tuesday night from the True Value Hardware store in the 2200 block of Highway 50 East.
Carson City Sheriff's Capt. Ken Sandage said it appears someone cut through a chain-link fence into a side yard then smashed through a glass door. Once inside the burglar broke the glass gun case and made off with 19 semi-automatic handguns and revolvers.
"Nineteen guns on the street has us very concerned, that's why we are throwing every available resource on this," said Sandage.
Investigators are trying to determine if the burglary is related to recent break-ins at Port of Subs, Sun King Window Tinting and Carson Tahoe Jewelers, or attempted break-ins at El Mundo Latino, Villa Basque Deli and a convenience store on Rand Avenue.
"These might be connected based on the location and the same M.O. as far as breaking in glass," Sandage said.
Anyone with information on the recent burglaries is asked to call the Carson City Sheriff's Department at 887-2020 ext. 41404.
Anonymous tips made directly to the Secret Witness hotline at 322-4900 are eligible for a reward.
Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.