Between 2010 and 2020, the proportion of stolen guns in the U.S. that were taken from parked motor vehicles went from one-quarter to one-half, according to a recent study (described here). The study looked at FBI crime data in 271 cities and found that thefts from vehicles are now the largest source of stolen firearms.
According to the story, and I assume therefore the study, a favorite target of groups of young thieves are the cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks parked around sports arenas. The thieves look
for weapons left under car seats or in unlocked center consoles or glove compartments. Their work is occasionally made easier by motorists who advertise their right to bear arms with car window stickers promoting favored gun brands or that declare “molon labe” — a defiant message from ancient Sparta, which roughly translates as “come and take them.”
What's behind the increase in just 10 years? One thing mentioned is the recent adoption of permitless carry in more states.
But it seems to me the right-wing's messages of 24-hour fear that make gun-owners bring weapons with them everywhere, only to have to leave them in their vehicles when they can't take them into places like sports arenas, has to share a lot of the blame.
I confess I wouldn't have thought of NRA bumperstickers and Don't Tread on Me flags as ads for gun theft, but then, I'm not a car burglar looking for guns to steal, am I. Clever thieves.
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