Breaking into cars is a popular Memphis crime, but it’s so much worse than stolen purses and phones
Parked cars are a popular source of valuables for thieves. You might expect most thieves to scan for phones, devices, purses, bags, and other easy-to-snatch items. However, some criminals think differently. Troublingly, many car break-ins in Memphis, Tennessee have a single, dangerous purpose: stolen guns to use in follow-on crimes.
FBI crime data suggests that thieves in Memphis stole over 3,300 guns from cars in one year
Memphis, Tennessee. It’s the state capital and the famed “Home of the Blues.” However, it’s also a disproportionate metric for thieves stealing guns out of parked cars. Everytown Research & Policy, a gun safety organization, collected FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) data detailing gun thefts in cities across the country.
In 2022, thieves stole around 3,315 guns from cars in Memphis. That puts the capital of the Volunteer State ahead of the No. 2 city, Atlanta, Georgia by a staggering 816 weapons. Of course, Memphis and Atlanta aren’t alone. According to FBI data, thieves stole at least 62,000 firearms from parked cars across 337 cities in 2022. Tragically, thieves steal a gun from a car in the United States every nine minutes.
So, what can you do to combat the problem? For starters, should you choose to keep a firearm with you in your car, do so carefully. Refrain from leaving a weapon in your car unattended. If you use an everyday carry (EDC) firearm for personal defense and safety, take it with you when you park your vehicle.
Moreover, vehicle owners should always lock their doors and hide their weapons from sight. It might sound obvious, but many car owners forget to do so. For instance, Tulane University reported that 31% of vehicle owners in a data group admitted to leaving their doors unlocked. And with a potentially dangerous weapon on board, locking those doors becomes that much more important.
Additionally, avoid advertising your gun ownership. You might think it looks fearsome, but decals and stickers emblazoned with your favorite gun manufacturer do more than broadcast your favorite brand. The decals can alert opportunists to the probability of an unattended firearm in a vehicle.
