Atlanta ranks second in U.S. for gun theft rates from cars, new report finds

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ATLANTA – Atlanta was ranked as the second city with the highest number of guns stolen from cars in 2022, according to a new report released by Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund.

The report, released May 9, highlights a significant increase in gun thefts from vehicles across the United States. Titled “Gun Thefts from Cars: Largest Source of Stolen Guns,” the report shows that gun thefts from vehicles nationwide have tripled over the past decade.

Analysis of FBI crime data found that 337 guns were stolen per 100,000 residents in Atlanta in 2022.

The top 5 cities for gun thefts from vehicles in 2022 were Memphis, Tennessee; Atlanta; St. Louis, Missouri; Richmond, Virginia; and San Antonio, TX.

According to the Atlanta Police Department, 2,102 of the 2,843 guns stolen in 2022 were stolen from a vehicle. In addition, 163 people were reported robbed following car theft. APD also provided figures for 2021, 2023 and the first months of 2024.

In 2021, APD reports that 2,022 of 2,812 stolen guns were reported stolen from cars, and in 2023, 1,868 of 2,506 stolen guns were reported stolen from a vehicle. 163 firearms were also reported stolen in a car theft in 2022 and 162 were reported stolen in a car theft in 2023.

So far in 2024, 671 firearms have been stolen from a vehicle and 51 have been reported stolen following a car theft.

According to Everytown, data indicates that cities in states with the weakest gun safety laws have nearly 18 times more gun thefts from cars than those in states with weaker regulations. strict. Four of the five cities with the highest gun theft rates are in states with particularly weak gun laws. Everytown says the state of Georgia has some of the weakest gun laws in the country, ranking it 46th in the country.

Currently, the State of Georgia allows individuals who are not prohibited from possessing a firearm to transport their firearm(s) in their personal motor vehicle because it is considered an extension of their home. Licensed gun carriers can also have a firearm in their vehicle even when it is in the parking area of ​​a gun-free zone, such as a government building, palace justice, a place of worship or a school. However, the firearm must be locked in the glove box or in a closed container.

Savannah city officials recently tried to make it illegal to leave guns in unlocked cars with a new city ordinance after statistics showed more than 200 guns were reported stolen last year in unlocked vehicles. However, Georgia’s attorney general says city officials overstepped their authority and a lawsuit was filed by a man who frequently visits Savannah and wants to end enforcement of the ordinance.

Diana Gregory, a Moms Demand Action volunteer, reinforced this sentiment by saying, “Dangerous policies lead to dangerous results, and Georgians are at the forefront of this crisis. Safe gun storage can prevent tragedies. »

HHere is a list of recent stories where guns have been stolen from vehicles:

Atlanta Police would like to remind everyone to avoid leaving valuable items such as firearms, pets and keys inside parked vehicles. The APD says most car thefts and break-ins are preventable. If thieves don’t see anything in a car, most don’t waste any time. However, if they can see valuable items left in plain sight, they know it’s a sure win for them.

They also offered these tips:

• Turn off your car and secure your doors every time you get out of the car. It doesn’t matter how long you’re gone.
• Remove all valuables from view and lock your car when you go out. Put your valuables in the trunk if you have to leave them in the car.
• Do not leave your keys or key fobs in the car, whether running or not.
• Do not leave weapons in your vehicle. If you must leave a gun inside your car, secure it with a gun safe and out of sight.

Pay attention to your surroundings.

Everytown says we need to pressure lawmakers at all levels to pass laws that are proven to help prevent theft. Everytown also says local elected officials, community leaders, law enforcement and others must support public awareness campaigns on how to prevent car thefts.