Gun Security Concerns Grow as Firearms Stolen From Vehicles

Gun Security Concerns Grow as Hundreds of Firearms Stolen From Vehicles

Law enforcement agencies across Oklahoma are renewing calls for better gun security, warning that unsecured firearms left inside vehicles are fueling theft and violent crime.

Unlocked Vehicles Drive Gun Theft Numbers

According to Oklahoma City Police Department, nearly 400 firearms were stolen from vehicles in the city over the past year. Of those thefts, 270 guns were taken from unlocked cars, highlighting what officers describe as a preventable problem.

Police say stolen firearms often end up used in robberies, assaults, and other crimes, creating risks far beyond the original theft. Officers stress that criminals frequently target parking lots, apartment complexes, and public spaces where vehicles are left unattended.

Police Urge Lockboxes and Out-of-Sight Storage

Law enforcement says the best way to prevent gun theft from vehicles is to use a lockbox secured inside the vehicle, placed out of sight. Simply hiding a firearm under a seat or inside a console is not enough, officers say.

Police also recommend always locking vehicles, even for short stops, and avoiding leaving firearms in cars overnight. Agencies warn that stolen guns are difficult to recover once they enter the illegal market.

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