Atlanta Ranks Second in U.S. for Car Gun Theft Rates
A new report reveals an alarming trend as Atlanta, Georgia is ranked second in the United States for the highest number of reported gun thefts from cars in 2022. The analysis, produced by Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, uncovers a significant increase in firearm thefts from vehicles across the country.
Rise in Firearm Thefts from Vehicles Nationwide
The report, titled “Gun Thefts from Cars: The Largest Source of Stolen Guns,” shows that gun thefts from vehicles have tripled over the past decade. The data reveals that in Atlanta alone, 337 guns were stolen per 100,000 people in the year 2022.
The Top Five Cities in 2022
Among the top five cities with the highest gun thefts from vehicles are Memphis, Tennessee; Atlanta, Georgia; St. Louis, Missouri; Richmond, Virginia; and San Antonio, Texas.
The Alarming Count of Stolen Guns in Atlanta
According to the Atlanta Police Department’s statistics, a significant number of firearms that were stolen in the year 2022 in Atlanta were from cars. Out of a total of 2,843 guns stolen, 2,102 were reported to have been stolen from a vehicle.
Loose Gun Laws as a Driving Factor
The report suggests a correlation between states with lax gun safety laws and the frequency of firearm thefts from cars. The data indicates that cities in these states suffer nearly 18 times more firearm thefts than those in states with strict regulations. Currently, the state of Georgia sits at No.46 in the country, being among the states with some of the weakest gun laws.
Steps to Prevent Gun Theft
The Atlanta Police Department, in response to this concern, is reminding all citizens to avoid leaving valuable items including firearms, pets, and keys inside parked cars. The police department offers helpful tips to gun owners including: turning off the car and securing doors whenever exiting, storing valuables (including firearms) out of sight, and paying attention to their surroundings. They also strongly advise against leaving guns inside the vehicles and recommend the use of firearm safes when there’s a need to leave firearms inside the car.
Prescribed Actions
Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund pleads with legislators, local elected officials, community leaders and law enforcement to support initiatives that instigate public awareness campaigns on the prevention of thefts from cars. Proven laws that have helped prevent thefts need to be encouraged across all levels of governance.
