A recent analysis of FBI data conducted by the gun safety group Everytown has revealed that the rate of guns stolen from cars in the U.S. has tripled over the last decade, making them the largest source of stolen guns in the country. The report found that the rate of stolen guns from cars has increased nearly every year and spiked during the coronavirus pandemic, coinciding with a surge in weapons purchases in the U.S. Stolen guns from cars have been used in crimes, such as the case of a gun taken from an unlocked car in Riverside, Florida, which was used to kill a 27-year-old Coast Guard member. This alarming trend highlights the importance of safely securing firearms to prevent them from falling into the hands of dangerous individuals.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Director Steve Dettelbach emphasized the need for Americans to secure their firearms to avoid them being used in violent crimes. Dettelbach noted that stolen guns from cars are not being taken for hunting purposes but are instead ending up in the hands of violent individuals who cannot pass a background check. These stolen guns are often trafficked to gangs, drug dealers, and other dangerous individuals, leading to harm and fatalities in communities across the country. The ATF has found links between stolen guns and violent crimes, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.
According to the Everytown report, nearly 112,000 guns were reported stolen in 2022, with just over half of those thefts occurring from cars. This marks a significant increase from 2013, when homes were the primary location for firearm thefts. The report highlights that stolen guns from cars are most commonly taken when vehicles are parked in driveways or outside of homes, emphasizing the need for firearm owners to take precautions to secure their weapons. The rise in stolen guns from cars poses a significant risk to public safety and underscores the importance of implementing measures to prevent these thefts.
In addition to being used in crimes, stolen guns have also been linked to tragic accidents. For example, a 14-year-old boy in St. Petersburg, Florida, accidentally killed his 11-year-old brother after finding a gun in an alley. These incidents highlight the dangers of unsecured firearms and the potential consequences of negligence in firearm storage. Preventing stolen guns from cars requires a concerted effort from law enforcement agencies, gun owners, and communities to address the root causes of these thefts and enhance firearm safety practices. By securing firearms and preventing access to unauthorized individuals, Americans can help reduce the risk of stolen guns being used in crimes or accidents, ultimately promoting public safety and preventing tragedies.
