In a pressing call to San Antonio residents, the local police have issued a stark warning: leaving firearms in unattended vehicles has become a significant stepping stone for criminals engaging in more heinous offenses. Rolling into the holiday season, the uptick in criminal activity has become apparent, with vehicle break-ins at the center of the concern, particularly when they yield stolen guns that could fuel violent crimes across the city.
According to the San Antonio Police Department, the year 2023 has seen over 2,400 firearms reported stolen from vehicles, a number that could lead to a rise in robberies, shootings, and even murder. The message from the department is unequivocal – Texans must avoid leaving their guns in their cars at any cost. This recommendation comes as a reaction to an observed increase in the number of firearms thefts, possibly linked to Texas' 2021 Constitutional Carry law which allows most people 21 or older to carry a handgun without a license.
In a video posted on the department's Facebook page, with information corroborated by ExpressNews, SAPD officers Crochet and Millstid not only highlighted the gravity of this trend but also provided safety tips to gun owners. "If you own a firearm, we ask that you please be responsible and not leave your firearms in an unattended vehicle," Officer Crochet advised.
Reiterating the potential repercussions of firearm theft, the police encourage the public to make preemptive safety plans. If visiting venues that prohibit firearms, they urge individuals to determine the storage of their weapons in advance. Officer Millstid suggested, "Make a plan ahead of time if you know you’ll be parking at a shopping center, business or visiting a location that does not allow firearms inside their establishment," as reported by MySanAntonio.com.
Gunning for better firearm safety practices, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, along with Project ChildSafe, has put forth a brochure that emphasizes the importance of locking up guns and keeping them safe. As thefts from vehicles supply criminals with tools for further crime, the San Antonio Police's insistence on secure firearm storage highlights the necessary steps to help prevent these weapons from falling into the wrong hands. In a final note of caution, Crochet added, "Please make sure to document the serial number of your firearm in the event that it is stolen." This measure ensures that owners can be one step ahead in aiding recovery efforts and potentially curtailing the cycle of crime that a stolen gun can perpetuate.
