HAMMOND, Ind. (CBS) — Federal authorities are offering a reward to anyone who helps them catch the burglars who made off with more than two dozen guns from a shooting range in Hammond, Ind.

As WBBM Newsradio’s Mike Krauser reports, the guns were stolen from Deb’s Gun Rang, at 6819 Kennedy Ave. in Hammond, which has “served the firearms needs of Northwest Indiana for 18-plus years,” according to its Web site.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio’s Mike Krauser reports

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives reported Friday morning that about 4:15 a.m. Thursday, someone broke in and took 33 handguns, according to a news release.

“Through experience, we know that stolen firearms are used in furtherance of drug and gang related activities as well as are utilized by violent criminals to perpetrate additional crimes. Law enforcement is seeking assistance from the public in locating these weapons and identifying those responsible,” Robert Browning, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Columbus Field Division, said in the release.

The ATF and Hammond police are investigating.

The bureau says it has some leads, but is asking for help from the public in solving the crime. There is a $5,000 reward for information leading to arrests, the release said.

Anyone with information is asked to call (800) ATF-GUNS, or Hammond police at (219) 852-2906.