www.atf.gov

Loss Prevention 

for

Firearms 

Retailers

Contact ATF

Firearms Theft Hotline

1-888-930-9275

Report Illegal Firearms Activity

1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867)

Other Criminal Activity

1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477)

Email: ATFTips@atf.gov

As a firearms retailer you have a 

risk of burglary, theft, and loss. 

This guide will help you evaluate 

the security of your premises and 

help you develop a strategy for 

preventing losses.

Physical Security

•	 Regularly conduct a thorough evaluation 

of your structural security

•	 Evaluate your roof and roof openings

•	 Evaluate your door and window locks

•	 Evaluate the walls and ceilings - criminals 

can gain access by cutting through 

adjoining walls

•	 Evaluate exterior lighting

•	 Evaluate your alarm system

Reporting Requirements

You are required by law to report a theft or 

loss of firearms to the local law enforcement 

authority and ATF within 48 hours.

To report a missing or stolen firearm you must 

do all of the following:

1) Contact the local police/sheriff

2) Contact your local ATF office and/or the 

 ATF Firearms Theft Hotline

3) Complete ATF Form 3310.11, Federal 

 Firearms Licensee Theft/Loss Report, and 

 submit by fax or mail

Also notify ATF AND local law enforcement of 

any firearms recoveries.

By properly analyzing your firearms business 

practices and security measures, you can 

better safeguard your assets and make your 

workplaces and communities safer.

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U.S. Department of Justice

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, 

Firearms and Explosives

ATF P 5380.1

January 2016
Minimize your risk by following these 

suggested loss prevention tips.

Firearms Inventories

•	 Completing a firearms inventory at least 

annually will enable you to timely find and 

report missing inventory.

•	 Open every box and verify each 

serial number.

•	 During inventories, match the firearm by 

serial number to the A&D log book and 

match the book to the firearm.

Alarm Systems

Alarm systems are highly recommended for 

all firearms retailer and may be required by 

State or local laws. For complete protection we 

recommend you include:

•	 Monitoring with cellular back-up

•	 Interior motion detection

•	 Glass breakage detection

•	 An audible local alarm

External Loss Prevention Controls

•	 Alarm system with regular testing

•	 Video surveillance with motion detection

•	 Signage, such as “Premises Under Video 

Surveillance” or “All handguns secured 

after hours”

•	 Security camera with illuminated dot 

indicating recording

•	 Secure any wall or window-mounted 

air conditioners

•	 Door and window bars

•	 Glass window film

•	 Concrete balusters in front of the store

•	 Fogging devices

•	 Pull down gates

•	 Reinforced heavy duty doors and frames

Best Practices

•	 Safeguard your inventory records by 

securing them after hours

•	 Examine each shipment of firearms that you 

receive - visually check and compare each 

serial number

•	 Keep timely and accurate acquisition and 

disposition records

•	 Maintain a disaster plan

•	 Keep ammunition stored separately from the 

firearms and out of reach of customers

•	 Train and educate employees on your 

policies and procedures

•	 Education about loss prevention measures 

can prevent thefts from occurring Internal Loss Prevention Controls

•	 Lock display cases at all times

•	 Show only one firearm at a time to 

a customer

•	 Secure firearms when the store is closed

•	 Use cable trigger guards

•	 Divide the firearms responsibilities 

(purchasing, Forms 4473, records)

•	 Require two-party inventories

•	 Ensure employees handling firearms are 

not prohibited

Prevention – Your Path to Success

•	 The cost of security outweighs the risk 

of theft

•	 Consider the safety of your employees 

and communities

•	 Know your employees and hire only 

those you trust