Conway, December 21, 2025
The Hunters Outpost in Conway has permanently shut down following a violent burglary where suspects crashed a stolen vehicle into the store, stealing multiple firearms. This marked the second burglary in just four months, prompting the business to cease operations. The community is concerned about ongoing safety threats as law enforcement investigates the incident, and a reward is being offered for information leading to the suspects’ arrest.
Conway
Conway Gun Store Permanently Shuts Doors After Violent Burglary
The Hunters Outpost, a gun store located at 3035 Bashor Drive in Conway, has permanently ceased operations, closing its doors on November 21. This decision followed a significant and destructive burglary that occurred on October 25th, in which suspects intentionally crashed a stolen vehicle through the establishment’s wall and absconded with multiple firearms. The closure marks a poignant end for a local business, underscoring the severe and often irreversible consequences faced by enterprises targeted by aggressive criminal acts.
Details of the October 25th Incident and its Immediate Repercussions
The brazen act of theft unfolded on October 25th when a stolen Ford F-150 pickup truck was driven directly into the building of The Hunters Outpost, creating a substantial breach. Surveillance footage captured multiple individuals exiting the vehicle and proceeding to steal numerous firearms, including several rifles, from within the store. The perpetrators then fled the scene on foot before law enforcement arrived. Horry County Police Department officers, responding to the break-in, found the extensive damage and evidence of the stolen weapons.
This particular incident was not an isolated misfortune for The Hunters Outpost. According to an owner, this was the second time in four months that the store had been robbed. This recurring pattern of vulnerability and loss played a critical role in the difficult decision to close the business permanently, rather than risk further thefts and associated damages. The weight of such repeated assaults on a livelihood can be profound, pushing even resilient establishments beyond the point of sustainable recovery.
Authorities, including the Horry County Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), are actively investigating the October 25th burglary. The suspects involved have not yet been apprehended and are considered dangerous, raising concerns within the community about the proliferation of stolen weapons. The ATF and the National Shooting Sports Foundation have jointly offered a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft. This substantial reward highlights the serious nature of crimes involving firearms and the collaborative effort to ensure public safety.
A Reflection on Broader Trends in Retail Crime
The circumstances leading to the closure of The Hunters Outpost in Conway are a stark local manifestation of a challenging nationwide trend: the rise in organized retail crime (ORC) and aggressive property thefts. Across the United States, retailers, both large and small, have reported a significant increase in incidents of large-scale theft, often involving sophisticated methods and a pronounced escalation in violence. These criminal operations are characterized by the systematic stealing of merchandise, not for personal use, but for resale on black markets or online platforms, converting stolen goods into illicit financial gain.
Recent data underscores the severity of this issue. Retailers have reported a startling 26.5% surge in ORC incidents, with total losses due to retail theft swelling to an estimated $112.1 billion in 2022. Beyond the purely financial impact, there is a growing concern about the increased aggression and violence exhibited by perpetrators. An overwhelming majority of retailers, 88%, have noted that shoplifters have become more aggressive and violent compared to previous years. Such trends not only threaten the profitability and continuity of businesses but also jeopardize the safety and well-being of employees and customers alike. The stolen firearms from incidents like that in Conway often find their way into the hands of individuals prohibited from owning them, posing a direct threat to public safety in communities far beyond the immediate scene of the crime.
The closure of a nine-year-old establishment like The Hunters Outpost serves as a quiet yet profound testament to the pervasive challenges businesses face. It is a reminder that beyond the statistics and policy discussions, there are tangible human consequences—lost livelihoods, altered community landscapes, and a collective diminished sense of security. The pursuit of those responsible for such acts is not merely about justice for a single business but about upholding the very order that allows communities and commerce to flourish.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What led to the permanent closure of The Hunters Outpost in Conway?
- The Hunters Outpost, a gun store located at 3035 Bashor Drive in Conway, permanently closed its doors on November 21, following a significant burglary on October 25th. This incident, which saw suspects crash a stolen vehicle through the store’s wall and steal multiple firearms, was the second such robbery the business experienced in four months, ultimately leading to its decision to cease operations.
- When did the burglary occur at The Hunters Outpost?
- The burglary at The Hunters Outpost occurred on October 25th.
- When did The Hunters Outpost permanently close?
- The Hunters Outpost permanently closed on November 21, following the October 25th burglary and a prior robbery within four months.
- What was stolen from The Hunters Outpost during the burglary?
- During the October 25th burglary, multiple firearms were stolen from The Hunters Outpost, including several rifles.
- Is there a reward for information regarding the Conway gun store burglary?
- Yes, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those involved in the incident at The Hunters Outpost.
Key Details of The Hunters Outpost Burglary and Closure
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location of Incident | Conway, at 3035 Bashor Drive |
| Business Affected | The Hunters Outpost (Gun Store) |
| Date of Burglary | October 25th |
| Date of Permanent Closure | November 21 |
| Method of Entry | Stolen vehicle (Ford F-150) crashed through wall |
| Items Stolen | Multiple firearms (including rifles) |
| Contributing Factor to Closure | Second robbery in four months |
| Reward Offered | Up to $10,000 (by ATF and National Shooting Sports Foundation) |
| Investigating Agencies | Horry County Police Department, ATF |
| Broader Context | Organized Retail Crime (Nationwide) |
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
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