Caught on Tape: Gun Thieves at the Old Barn Antiques Mall

Orange County sheriff's investigators hope surveillance video released Wednesday of the theft of five antique guns – worth a total of $3,500 – will lead to the capture of the thieves.

The co-owner of the , 31792 Camino Capistrano, noticed Tuesday – while reviewing surveillance video footage – that the guns were stolen Jan. 3, said Jim Amormino of the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

"He just didn't noticed it" earlier, Amormino said, adding the guns were in a case in the back of the store.

Investigators were looking for two suspects, Amormino said. The two men can be seen on the video looking at and taking pictures of the guns through the case about 2 p.m., Jan. 3, Amormino said.

"One of them was on a cell phone, probably calling the buyer," Amormino said.

About two hours later, one of the suspects returned to the store and can be seen on the video picking both locks, removing the guns and concealing them in a leather jacket he was not wearing during his earlier visit to the store, Amormino said.

The guns are .22 and .32-caliber weapons and are worth a total of $3,500, Amormino said. 

Both suspects were described as Asian. One is 5 feet 6, weighs about 170 pounds, who wore a light blue shirt, glasses and dark jeans, Amormino said.

The man who returned to the store to steal the guns was about 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds. He wore a dark-red shirt, glasses and dark jeans, Amormino said.

Anyone with information was asked to call 855-TIP-OCCS.

-- City News Service