U.S. Attorney, Law Enforcement Officials Urge Residents to Help Prevent Gun Thefts From Vehicles During Holiday Season

SAN ANTONIO - As the holidays approach, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas wants to remind residents to properly secure their firearms when they are not in use. It is particularly important that gun owners do not leave any firearm insufficiently secured inside a vehicle when visiting shopping centers and malls. A locked car is not a secured car.

Nearly 2,300 firearms have been stolen from vehicles in San Antonio this year. Retail parking lots frequently serve as hot spots for burglaries, and thieves are capable of breaking into a vehicle, stealing a gun, and fleeing, all within 15 seconds or less. Furthermore, statistics show that car burglars target trucks and vehicles that display stickers, insignia, and license plates indicating military or law enforcement affiliation, as well as firearm ownership. Firearms stolen from vehicles are often used to commit violent crimes in San Antonio.

"While you are shopping for holiday gifts to give your friends and loved ones, it takes no time at all for a thief to steal an improperly secured gun from your locked car," said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza. "That same gun, which was lawfully yours, is likely to be sold for profit and used in a violent crime-even killing a law enforcement officer or an innocent child. Do not make it these despicable acts any easier for criminals. Story your firearms properly and avoid becoming a victim of gun theft."

"Remember, keeping your firearms secure is key to preventing theft and keeping our community safe," said Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel for the ATF Houston Field Division. "This holiday season, if firearms are not allowed in retail stores or venues that you are visiting, we urge you to store your firearms in a safe and secure gun storage. A little precaution goes a long way in keeping you and everyone around you safe."

As part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program to combat violent crime, the Department of Justice has awarded funding to research partner University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. As a result of that funding, researcher Dr. Alex Testa studied the data surrounding firearm thefts from vehicles.

"Many gun owners are unaware of the serious risks that come with leaving firearms in vehicles," said Testa. "Even locked cars and compartments are highly susceptible to break-ins, making firearms left in vehicles prime targets for theft. With San Antonio ranking fifth in the nation for firearm thefts from vehicles, raising awareness about these risks is essential to protect both gun owners and the broader community."

"Each stolen firearm represents a potential weapon in the hands of a criminal, threatening the safety of our community," said Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales. "Preventing gun theft starts with responsible ownership by securing your firearms, please keep them out of the wrong hands and protect the lives of your family and neighbors this holiday season."

"I am sure the last thing anyone wants to do is contribute to violent crimes being committed through their own carelessness or neglect," said Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar. "It is incumbent upon every firearm owner to be cognizant of where weapons are kept at all times."

"Stolen guns are used to commit violent crimes," said Chief William McManus for the San Antonio Police Department. "We urge responsible gun ownership, including planning ahead and leaving your firearm at home if you know that you will be entering an establishment that prohibits the carrying of firearms."

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