The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has upped the ante in the reward for information leading to the arrest of the people responsible for last week's break-in at P&A Pawn Shop.

The agency, according to multiple news agencies and the Roanoke Rapids Police Department, is offering a $2,500 reward.

With the pawn shop and police department offering $500 rewards, that puts the total to the $3,500, and possibly up to $4,500 taking Crimestoppers into consideration.

Captain Andy Jackson of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department said ATF has a vested interest in the case. “You've got a lot of guns being put on the street in a potentially bad person's hand.”

Jackson said the total number of weapons taken in the heist was 43. Twelve of the guns were revolvers and the rest automatic weapons. Jewelry was also taken in the break-in.

The pawn shop is a federally licensed firearms dealer and Jackson said once the people responsible are caught, the police department will most likely hand the case over to ATF for federal prosecution. “Every gun taken is a federal charge.”

Anyone with information may report it to the following:

ATF Raleigh Field Office: 919-719-2021

ATF Gun Hotline: 800-ATF GUNS or 800-283-4867

Roanoke Rapids Police Department: 252-533-2810

Crimestoppers: 252-583-4444