A recent analysis of FBI data by the gun safety group Everytown reveals that the number of guns stolen from cars in the U.S. has tripled over the past decade, making car break-ins the largest source of stolen firearms nationwide.
The rate of guns stolen from vehicles has increased almost every year and spiked notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, coinciding with a significant rise in gun purchases across the country. The analysis, based on FBI data from 337 cities across 44 states, highlights this concerning trend, as stolen guns frequently end up being used in crimes.
For instance, in July 2021, a gun taken from an unlocked car in Riverside, Florida, was used in a tragic incident where it was used to fatally shoot a 27-year-old Coast Guard member attempting to stop a car burglary in her neighborhood.
Arms and Ammunition (Via Aiden West/Shutterstock)
This rise in stolen firearms underscores the importance of securely storing guns to prevent them from falling into the hands of individuals who pose a danger. Steve Dettelbach, Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), emphasized the urgent need for responsible firearm storage practices.
He pointed out that stolen guns are often not used for hunting or self-defense but are instead sold on the streets to violent individuals who cannot pass a background check. These firearms frequently end up in the possession of gangs, drug dealers, and others involved in violent crime, impacting communities across state lines.
