Secure Gun Storage in Cars
Adapted from Gun Thefts from Cars: The Largest Source of Stolen Guns
In the United States, the majority of gun homicides and assaults involve stolen or illegal guns.
But where do these guns come from, and how are they getting into dangerous hands?
You may be surprised to learn that, in cities that report data to the FBI, gun thefts from cars are the largest source of stolen guns. Often, these guns end up being used in other crimes in our communities.
That’s why storing guns securely in cars is essential to protecting your communities, your family, and yourself.
In cities that report crime data to the FBI:
- On average, at least one gun is stolen from a car every nine minutes in the United States.
- Cars parked at residences (in driveways, outside homes, etc.) are the most common source of stolen guns, demonstrating the importance of securely storing guns at all times and locations.
- Memphis, Tennessee—the city with the highest rate of guns stolen from cars—had more than 3,000 gun thefts from vehicles in 2022.
Learn more at Gun Thefts from Cars: The Largest Source of Stolen Guns.
A SMART Driver Secures Their Gun:
First, carefully consider whether you need to travel with your firearm. If you don’t need to, consider leaving the gun secured at home.
- Laws about securely storing guns in cars vary between states. If your travels will bring you across state lines, make sure you know the laws for carrying a gun in your car.
How should I securely store my gun in my car or vehicle?
- The best kind of gun storage is the type (or types) that you will use consistently. One option that works for many drivers is a dedicated safe or lockbox placed under a seat or in the trunk of the vehicle.
- Many safes and lockboxes allow gun owners to store their guns securely and still access them quickly when they need them, including biometric models.
- The safe or lockbox should also be secured to the vehicle in some way, either permanently or attached to the bottom hardware of a car seat, for example.
- Consider storing the firearm separate from ammunition. This way, if someone does gain access to the firearm, they won’t be able to use it immediately.
What are the laws about carrying or storing a gun in your car?
- Several state laws require that the gun be secured in a container and/or be inaccessible to the driver. Inaccessible storage locations help keep the safe or lockbox out of sight, and make it harder for a driver to access the gun in a road rage incident.
I don’t own a gun, but my friend/loved one does. How do I talk to them about securely storing their gun in their car?
- It’s as simple as bringing up secure gun storage with the people in your life. Remember, you’re not questioning why they choose to have a gun—you’re just making sure it’s stored securely. If it feels too awkward to have a conversation in person, try asking the question over a text. Our SMART Conversations series is a great place to start! We’ll teach you how to “talk the talk” about secure gun storage with your family, friends, and communities.
(The series was produced by Collaboraction, a social impact theater based in Chicago)
Share:
Spread The Word
