Gwinnett Daily Post

SNELLVILLE -- Snellville police detectives are getting creative to try to solve a case of stolen guns.

To try to get help from teenagers who might know about the burglary, they are offering a PlayStation as a reward.

"We wanted to grab their attention," Snellville Police Sgt. Trey Downs said of the unusual reward offer, where tipsters could opt for a $350 Best Buy gift card instead. "We are trying to appeal to their peers that might know information that would lead to an arrest."

Downs said detectives believe teenagers or juveniles are involved in Tuesday's burglary at the Hawthorne Glen subdivision, located near U.S. Highway 78 and Cooper Road.

The suspects entered a rear window of the home, sometime between 8:30 a.m. and 9:45 p.m. and made off with 12 firearms, a PlayStation 3, camera and suitcase. The firearms, Downs said, included two assault rifles and two shotguns, with the remainder handguns.

"We've been working on this case every day because of the volume of weapons on the streets," he said. "Every hour that goes by is a chance for these guns to change hands."

Downs said the city police force doesn't often offer rewards but thought this case warranted an enticement to get young people to come forward. The reward is not being funded by taxpayers. Instead, it was donated by the Snellville Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association.