Gun Thefts from Cars
The majority of gun homicides and assaults in the United States involve illegal guns. According to research completed by Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, gun thefts from cars are the largest source of illegal guns. On average, at least 1 gun is stolen from a car every 15 minutes. Additionally, thieves are attracted to guns because they are portable enforcers and have high street value.
While gun thefts from cars are a growing problem, there are many precautions that law-abiding gun owners can take in order to reduce the risk. Below are recommendations from the Kansas injury lawyers at Patterson Legal Group.
A Locked Car Door Isn’t Enough to Prevent Gun Thefts from Cars
It’s relatively simple to break into a car. Some cars can be opened with the old coat hanger trick, while other cars are broken into by smashing a window. Once a thief is inside your car, they will quickly remove the gun hidden under your driver’s seat or in your glove compartment.
Law-abiding gun owners should invest in a discreet lock box or gun case for their car. Some companies, such as Console Vault, make custom concealed compartments for cars and trucks. These vaults can be secured by key or through a multi-digit combination.
Secure Your Gun Out of Plain View
It sounds elementary, but thieves target cars and trucks that have visible valuables, such as handguns or rifles. It’s easy to forget that your gun is a valued commodity that thieves are always on the lookout for. Making sure that your gun is out of plain sight is an easy way to deter gun thefts from cars.
Report Gun Thefts from Cars Immediately to Law Enforcement
According to law enforcement, reporting gun theft can help reduce gun violence. Law-abiding gun owners should write down the serial number, make, model, and take a picture of their gun or guns. That will help law enforcement trace the origin of the gun when it’s stolen. Tracing ownership or possession of a gun is critical when law enforcement investigates crimes committed with guns.
If You Are Accidentally Injured by a Gun, Contact Patterson Legal Group
The team at Patterson Legal Group hopes that you found this advice on preventing gun thefts from cars useful. Please share it with your family and friends that are gun owners. Should you get injured in a gun accident caused by negligence, recklessness, or unsafe products then contact us for immediate assistance.
The trial lawyers at Patterson Legal Group have been representing injury victims in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma for more than 25 years. You can reach our team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone at (888) 687-2400 and online through LiveChat or secure contact form.
Consultations are free and we work on a “no win, no fee” basis, so you don’t pay a dime unless money has been collected on your behalf. If you’re interested in getting the compensation that you deserve for your injuries then call Patterson Legal Group today.
