The Lexington Police Department is participating in the “Right to Carry, Duty to Secure” campaign. It’s an international effort to remind guns owners of the responsibility of securing firearms.
Lexington Police Sergeant Guy Miller said through the end of July this year 190 firearms were reported stolen with 163 taken from vehicles. Miller said often the thief breaks into the car to steal something else like a laptop and then finds a gun.
“Make sure you’re storing it in the middle console that locks, the glove compartment that locks, the trunk that locks. And then make sure if you have any spare keys in the car, you’re taking those with you,” said Miller.
Miller noted the majority of firearm thefts from vehicles occur in driveways or on streets near homes. The police officer added the ATF agency offers a form for lawful gun owners where important model and serial information can be recorded, in case of theft.
Miller said reducing the number of stolen weapons can help reduce violent crime.
“Stolen guns are being used in violent narcotics transaction and if that stolen firearm wasn’t there, and during that transaction or altercation, if a firearm wasn’t there then it may not escalate,” said Miller.
Miller said the recovered guns through police investigations are often firearms that have been reported stolen.
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