The Denver Police Department has issued a stark reminder for the city's gun owners regarding the safe storage of firearms within vehicles. With the introduction of House Bill 24-1348, effective January 1, it's now a legal requirement in Colorado to store handguns in a locked, hard-sided container if left unattended in a vehicle, as reported by the Denver Police Department. This legislation extends to other types of firearms, demanding they be kept in a locked container and out of sight, with an addition that soft-sided cases must include a locking device attached directly to the firearm.
Denver's new gun law comes after a troubling increase in theft; while last year, in 2024, the police department recorded 550 firearms stolen from vehicles, by 2025, the count had already reached 98 guns pilfered from cars, a disturbing trend highlighting weapons potentially filtering into criminal circles. The Denver Police Department, grappling with the issue, has started providing gun owners with locks at all 6 district stations to curb the opportunities for such thefts until supplies are exhausted. Details on local stations can be found on the city's website, as suggested by the police department's Facebook post.
The consequences for non-compliance with the new law are not insignificant. Owners failing to securely store their firearms will face a civil infraction and a fine of $500. This move by the state of Colorado comes in response to rising concerns over public safety, with unsecured firearms posing inherent risks. These legislative strides aim to reduce the likelihood of guns being stolen from vehicles and potentially used in the commission of further crimes.
