A Gaffney man is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrests of people responsible for stealing multiple guns from his home.

William Clarence Combs, 64, is a federally licensed gun collector. He has asked Gaffney police to investigate the theft of 14 handguns from his Pleasant Meadow Road residence over the past week. The guns have an estimated value of $2,500.

The guns were taken from the home in a burglary between July 12 at 11 p.m. and July 15 at 11 p.m., according to an incident report on file at the Gaffney Police Department.

The report indicates a person or persons might have gained access to the home by going through a basement window.

Combs said he is currently compiling a list of the guns stolen to hand over to the federal Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agency. He is required to notify the ATF because of his gun collector's license, he said.

Combs said he hopes the reward will encourage people who might have information about the theft to come forward.

"As these guns were probably stolen for sale in the criminal community, it is imperative

to prevent deaths or injuries by locating those responsible," Combs said. "Two of these guns, the CZ 52 and carbine 9 millimeter luger, will punch holes through both sides of a bulletproof vest."

The Gaffney Police Department Detective Jott Blackwell is investigating the incident.

Capt. Chris Skinner said police are concerned about all guns in the community that could be used to commit a crime.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Gaffney Police Department at 489- 8115; or Blackwell at 206-3341.