The incidence of gun theft in Minneapolis has risen alarmingly, according to recent statistics published by the city's police department. In a clear-cut message posted on their Facebook page, the Minneapolis Police Department detailed that gun thefts have nearly doubled over five years, jumping from 261 incidents in 2019 to a startling 472 in 2024.
Amid concerns over public and personal safety, the department's social media update didn't just state the figures; it also included an advisory for better gun storage practices. "Lock it up. Store Guns Safely," the department implores, reminding firearm owners of the dire consequences that can follow negligent gun storage. Found running through the streets without an owner, a stolen gun poses manifold dangers, not least of which is the potential to fall into the hands of children or to be used in the commission of a crime.
In addition to reporting the increase in thefts, the Minneapolis Police also prescribed specific measures for secure gun storage: "Firearms are unloaded and stored in a locked safe, cabinet, or vault," the advisory begins, insisting on the separation of ammunition and the secure hiding of keys or combinations. The department's post concluded with a plea for collective responsibility: "Educate everyone in the home about gun safety."
