Update: Ames Police believe 2 individuals stole guns from Theisen's in Tuesday morning robbery

The Ames Police Department believes two individuals broke into the local Theisen's Home Farm & Auto early Tuesday morning, stealing several firearms.

The robbery was reported around 5:07 a.m. on March 12.

Ames Police Investigations Commander Jason Tuttle said the two individuals broke the glass out of the store's doors to enter. They then went directly to the gun cabinet and broke the glass to steal an "undisclosed number" of firearms.

"They were in and out of there pretty quickly," Tuttle said. "It looked like they knew where they were going, directly to the gun cabinets."

Ames Police believe the two individuals ran to a vehicle that was parked off-site.

More: An 'undisclosed' number of firearms were stolen from Theisen's Tuesday morning in Ames

Proximity to highway may have fueled robbery

Tuttle said similar robberies often occur at locations close to highways for thieves to make a quick getaway. Theisen's, located at 1315 S Dayton Ave, is less than a mile north of U.S. Highway 30 and a nearby exit ramp.

Representatives with Theisen's did not comment but did note that the store is operating normally.

Ames PD nor Theisen's would reveal how many weapons or what type were stolen, though authorities said they are trying to locate the suspects.

"It's always concerning when firearms are stolen, whether it's from people's homes, vehicles or businesses," Tuttle said. "Any number of guns that are stolen are often then used later on in other crimes. That's concerning to us, and we're doing all that we can to get those guns back and file charges against those who were involved in this."

Tuttle said the police department has received some tips that have helped the investigation.

He urged anyone who was in the vicinity of Theisen's at approximately 5 a.m. on March 12 to take note of any suspicious vehicles and contact the police department.

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Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Ames PD believes Theisen's highway proximity may have fueled gun robbery