Crime & Safety
200+ Guns Stolen Out Of Tacoma Vehicles Last Year: Police
Police said a gun was stolen out of a vehicle in Tacoma every 48 hours last year, and 10 have been stolen in the first three weeks of 2023.
PIERCE COUNTY, WA — The Tacoma Police Department is asking gun owners to be more vigilant amid a rise in firearms stolen from vehicles.
In a news release Tuesday, officials said 202 guns were stolen during car prowls last year, averaging one gun stolen every two days, not including additional guns that may have been taken from stolen vehicles. In just the first 22 days of this year, 10 guns were reported stolen from vehicles in city limits.
"Stolen guns are finding their way into the hands of juveniles and are being used in violent crimes," said Avery Moore, Tacoma's police chief. "Many of these firearms are stolen in vehicle prowls. By not leaving your firearms unattended in your vehicle, you are helping us keep guns out of the hands of juveniles."
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The police department recommends gun owners take a few basic precautions:
- Do not leave firearms in your vehicle.
- Keep firearms secured and follow safe handling procedures.
- Keep firearms out of the hands of juveniles.
Officials urge victims to immediately call 911 to report in-progress thefts, or dial 253-287-4455 to report a theft that has already happened.
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