Stolen weapons from vehicles remain a concern statewide

By Jenna Wilson

A recent study found over 11,000 guns in Missouri were reported stolen over a five-year stretch, which causes concern for safety officials in St. Joseph as well.

A study that was released by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms traced stolen weapons from 2017 through 2021 and found that over 11,000 were reported stolen in Missouri.

According to the study, 96% of firearms reported stolen were owned by private citizens.

Frank Till, executive director of the St. Joseph Safety Council, said stolen weapons remain a concern locally as well, mainly due to negligence.

“Any police officer could tell you that the majority of stolen guns that we get reported are people leaving guns in unlocked cars and it’s very frustrating,” Till said. “According to statistics, one gun is stolen from a car every nine minutes in the United States, which shouldn’t be occurring.”

Officials have concerns about stolen guns often being used to commit acts of crime.

“A vast majority of weapons used in crimes have been stolen,” said Till. “It certainly has an impact on crime because criminals can’t get a gun legally, so they have to buy it off the street or it’s getting stolen from a person’s car.”

Gun owners can make their homes and communities safer by storing their guns securely and not leaving it unattended in their vehicles.

“Criminals are always looking for that opportunity so be vigilant about where you’re leaving your firearms,” Till said. “Guns shouldn’t be left in any car but certainly not an unlocked car. Keep them locked away in a safe inside your home and make sure they’re stored in a location that a child can’t access it.”