The rate of guns stolen from cars in the U.S. has dramatically increased over the past decade, according to a recent analysis of FBI data conducted by Everytown, a gun safety group. The study revealed that stolen guns from cars have tripled in number, making them the primary source of stolen guns in the country. The report analyzed data from 337 cities in 44 states, highlighting a concerning trend that saw stolen weapons from cars steadily rise year after year. The spike in thefts was particularly notable during the coronavirus pandemic, which coincided with a surge in weapons purchases across the nation.
Unfortunately, the consequences of these stolen firearms have been severe. In Riverside, Florida, a gun stolen from an unlocked car was used to kill a 27-year-old Coast Guard member who was attempting to stop a car burglary in her neighborhood. This sobering incident demonstrates the urgent need for Americans to secure their firearms properly, preventing them from falling into the wrong hands.
Steve Dettelbach, the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), emphasized the gravity of the situation. He explained that stolen firearms from cars rarely end up being used for legitimate purposes such as hunting. Instead, they are swiftly funneled onto the streets, landing in the hands of violent individuals who would not pass background checks. Such guns are sought after by gangs and drug dealers, putting innocent lives at risk across towns, counties, and even states.
According to Everytown’s report, nearly 112,000 guns were reported stolen in 2022 alone, with over half of them taken from cars. This marks a significant increase from 2013 when only one-quarter of thefts involved vehicles. Most often, these thefts occur when cars are parked in driveways or outside people’s homes.
The alarming statistics extend beyond homicides and violent crimes. Tragic accidents have also occurred due to stolen firearms. For instance, in St. Petersburg, Florida, a 14-year-old boy accidentally killed his 11-year-old brother after finding a gun that had been stolen from an unlocked car and discarded in an alley a few days prior.
The frequency of gun thefts from cars is staggering. In 2022, on average, at least one firearm was stolen from a car every nine minutes. However, this number is most likely an underestimate since there is no federal law requiring the reporting of stolen guns. Furthermore, only one-third of states currently mandate that such thefts be reported.
Sarah Burd-Sharp, the senior director of research at Everytown, emphasized the potential consequences of each stolen firearm. She stated that “every gun stolen from a car increases the chances it’ll be used in a violent crime.” The report also revealed a correlation between higher theft rates and states with looser gun laws and higher rates of gun ownership.
Interestingly, while guns stolen from cars have seen a significant increase over the past decade, other items stolen from vehicles have actually decreased by 11% during the same period. This discrepancy highlights the unique challenge posed by stolen firearms and the urgent need for targeted solutions to address this alarming trend.
Some cities have taken steps to address the issue. Savannah, Georgia, for instance, recently passed an ordinance mandating that firearms left in cars be securely stored. This decision was prompted by the alarming rate of over 200 guns stolen from unlocked cars within a year. However, such measures can face opposition, as seen with pushback from the state’s attorney general.
The ATF has also recognized theft as a significant source of firearms obtained by criminals. In a comprehensive report on crime guns released last year, the agency found that over 1 million guns were reported stolen between 2017 and 2021. Notably, most gun thefts occur from individuals rather than retailers or other sources.
One limitation in combating this issue is that the ATF is legally prohibited from publicly releasing detailed information about where stolen guns end up. However, this information can be shared with police departments during investigations.
In conclusion, the alarming increase in guns stolen from cars highlights the urgent need for Americans to secure their firearms effectively. Not only do these stolen weapons often end up being used in violent crimes, but they have also resulted in tragic accidents. The correlation between looser gun laws and higher theft rates underscores the importance of adopting responsible gun control policies. Furthermore, efforts to address the issue at the local level, such as Savannah’s ordinance, can play a crucial role in curbing the rampant theft of firearms from cars. Ultimately, it is essential to prioritize the safety of individuals and communities by preventing stolen guns from falling into the wrong hands.
