According to the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), for the past year-and-a-half, North and South Carolina have the highest rate of firearms stolen from federally licensed gun dealers (FFLs). It’s any FFLs worst nightmare.

“The worst possible thing for us is to think any of our guns would fall into the hands of criminals, illegally,” Ken Sampson, co-owner of Greensboro Guns And Ammo, told WFMY.

It’s fairly common knowledge that guns stolen will be used to commit crimes. That’s why ATF agents in both states have been working heavily with police departments and shop owners to prevent break-ins.

“Firearms that were stolen, taken through larceny, burglary or robbery. We led the country,” Gerod King, ATF Public Information Officer for the Charlotte Field Division, told WFMY.

To help combat the problem, the Greensboro/Guilford County Gunstoppers launched an initiative where people can anonymously report gun-related tips. In exchange, people receive a $250 reward.

“So far we’ve gotten a few tips in, but we’d like to get more,” said Stacey Finch, Crimestoppers Coordinator for Greensboro/Guilford County Crimestoppers.

Gunstoppers is very similar to Crimestoppers. Anyone with gun-related information in the area is asked to call 336-373-1000 and give a tip. If the person is arrested, tipsters will receive an award of at least $250.