The last decade saw a big rise in vehicular gun thefts -- especially in 2020.

[AndyS]

The last decade saw a big rise in vehicular gun thefts — especially in 2020. That’s according to an Everytown for Gun Safety analysis of FBI data first reported on by NBC News. At least 180 cities saw a rise in gun thefts from cars from 2019 to 2020. In 149 cities that reported data from 2011 through 2020, the share of reported gun thefts coming from cars rose from less than a quarter of cases in 2011 to more than half in 2020. Thieves most commonly targeted cars parked outside of residences. (Through its nonpolitical arm, Everytown provides grants to The Trace. You can find our donor transparency policy here, and our editorial independence policy here.)

Perhaps someone from the gun culture can devise a way to keep this from happening. They are the ones with the knowledge, skill and understanding to decide such things, right?

The fact is that every illegal gun, every gun used in a crime, every gun trafficked and every gun that ended or ruined a life entered the market as a legally purchased gun. So how is the transition from law abiding responsible gun owner to thief to homicide to be curtailed? Got any ideas that might not make the gunners apoplectic?

I do. Contribute to the gun control organization of your choice. Just a few $$ a year. Many whispers can drown out the few who shout.

I don't care if the gunners go apoplectic.

[Kaleva]

1. Pass a law making leaving a gun unsecured a serious crime.

Mine is either in my possession or locked in a gun safe that is secured to something solid via a cable. It could still be stolen but one would really have to work at it and have some tools.

I also don't take my gun anywhere off my property except to the local firing range.

[AndyS]

5. Yes, good idea. I assume you are working toward enacting such legislation. If so thanks! nt

[Kaleva]

9. Haven't done anything yet but I will

I expect June and later to be more open for me so I can do the research on similiar laws in other states and then begin contacting my state rep and date senator.

[AndyS]

10. My hat is off to you. Thank you for putting effort behind a good idea.

A lot of us have vast expectations but only put up half vast efforts. If I can help let me know. Safe storage is a major issue for MDA.

[Johnny2X2X]

2. Should be illegal

Should be illegal to store your gun in your vehicle. Such and easy target.

I grew up knowing thieves who looked for houses with NRA stickers, or any sign of guns or hunting. Guns are as good as cash on the streets.

[NightWatcher]

3. Idiots here advertise and let you know what make and model gun you can find inside.

Are you are a fan of Glocks, just smash this guy's window and I bet you can have his.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. Thanks for pointing out these data. It's important to know what's going on.

Thank you for the timely and accurate numbers.

More ammunition (heh, heh) for our side!

[greenjar_01]

6. Rise of gun owners selling their guns on the illicit market and claiming theft in cars

Fuck's sake.

[AndyS]

7. A purely anecdotal story but a distant acquaintance

had 5 AR-15 rifles stolen out of his car in a mall parking lot. No damage to the car and he filed the loss on his insurance. Not enough evidence to charge with a crime but the local police had an extended conversation with him regarding the circumstances. He used the insurance money to replace the 'stolen' guns.

[Phoenix61]

8. There have been several stolen in my neighborhood

out of unlocked cars. Seriously, someone left their gun in an unlocked car over night.