Ohio Launches Tool For Tracking Stolen Guns

OHIO — Ohio has launched a new, searchable database of stolen guns.

The Ohio Stolen Gun Portal website allows both buyers and sellers of firearms to search the weapon online and see if it has been entered as stolen. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said the website should aid the recovery of stolen guns.

“With our new portal, when buying a used firearm, private citizens and firearms dealers can instantly check to see whether a gun was previously reported as stolen,” Yost said. “This is a tool for gun buyers and law enforcement alike that will lead to the recovery of stolen firearms and serve as a deterrent for criminals seeking to make a quick buck.”

The Stolen Gun Portal includes stolen gun information, like serial numbers. The information is pulled from law enforcement agencies throughout Ohio and the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

“We know that most gun violence is committed by convicted felons who are prohibited from possessing a weapon. Far too many people are dying, and this new resource is vital to public safety," said Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Tom Stickrath.

When users search the Stolen Gun Portal, they will log a firearm's serial number. If the serial number returns a match, the user is told to notify law enforcement.

"It is only one step to help reduce violence in our community, but it is certainly a small victory in helping take away avenues for thieves and criminals to advance their illegal activities of selling stolen firearms to unsuspecting good citizens," said Eric Delbert, executive officer of L.E.P.D. Firearms.

The Stolen Gun Portal will update every 24 hours with new information. The portal can be found on the Ohio Attorney General's website.