After AK-47 robbery, neighbors want Midtown pawn shop to stop selling guns

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - About 50 concerned citizens turned out for a meeting about how they could stop a Kansas City pawn shop from selling firearms.

Since Smart Pawn opened at 63rd and Troost in 2011, police have investigated two incidents where guns were stolen at the business. In all, 10 firearms were stolen. Police only recovered five.

The latest theft was last week, when a man walked into the store during business hours and jumped behind the counter to steal an AK-47 while workers were distracted.

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The group is planning a rally to send a message to the owners to stop selling firearms. They protested in October 2011 when the pawn shop first opened because of a sign promoting gun and ammunition sales.

The group is also planning a letter-writing campaign to state legislators.

41 Action News reached out to the owners of Smart Pawn Shop. Our calls have not been returned.