Atlanta ranked 2nd in U.S. for car gun theft rates, new report reveals

ATLANTA - Atlanta has been ranked as the city with the second highest number of guns stolen from cars in 2022, according to a new report released by Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund. 

The report, which was released May 9, highlights a significant rise in firearm thefts from vehicles across the United States. Titled "Gun Thefts from Cars: The Largest Source of Stolen Guns," the report shows that gun thefts from vehicles nationwide have tripled over the past decade.

The analysis of FBI crime data revealed that 337 guns were stolen per 100,000 people in Atlanta in 2022. 

Top 5 cities in 2022

The top 5 cities for gun thefts from vehicles in 2022 were Memphis, Tennessee; Atlanta; St. Louis, Missouri; Richmond, Virginia; and San Antonio, Texas.

Number of guns stolen in Atlanta

According to the Atlanta Police Department, 2,102 of the 2,843 guns that were stolen in 2022 were stolen from a vehicle. Additionally, 163 were reported stolen from auto theft. APD also provided numbers for 2021, 2023 and the first few months of 2024. 

In 2021, APD says 2022 of 2,812 stolen guns were taken from cars and in 2023, 1,868 out of 2,506 stolen guns were reported stolen from vehicle. 163 guns were also reported stolen from auto theft in 2022 and 162 were reported stolen from auto theft in 2023.

So far in 2024, 671 guns have been stolen from a vehicle and 51 have been reported stolen from auto theft.

Weak gun laws

According to Everytown, data indicates that cities in states with the weakest gun safety laws have nearly 18 times more firearm thefts from cars than those in states with stricter regulations. Four out of the five cities with the highest gun theft rates are in states with particularly weak gun laws. Everytown says the state of Georgia has some of the weakest gun laws in the country, ranking it at No. 46 in the country. 

Currently, the state of Georgia allows individuals who are not prohibited from possessing a firearm to carry their gun or guns in their personal motor vehicles, since it is considered an extension of their home. Licensed weapon carriers can also have a gun in their vehicle even when it is in the parking area of a firearm-free area such as a government building, courthouse, place of worship or school. However, the firearm should be locked in the glove compartment or in a closed container. 

City officials in Savannah recently tried to make it illegal to leave firearms in unlocked cars with a new city ordinance after statistics showed more than 200 guns were reported stolen last year from vehicles that weren't locked. However, Georgia's attorney general says that the city officials overstepped their authority and a lawsuit has been filed by a man who is a frequent visitor to Savannah who wants to stop enforcement of the ordinance. 

Diana Gregory, a volunteer with Moms Demand Action, reinforced this sentiment, saying, "Dangerous policies lead to dangerous outcomes, and Georgians are at the forefront of this crisis. Secure gun storage can prevent tragedies."

Here is a list of recent stories where guns were stolen from vehicles:

• Gun, laptop and more stolen from vehicles in west Atlanta
• AK-47 among valuable items stolen from Midtown construction workers
• Serial car break-in suspect arrested in Dunwoody: Don't let your guard down

How to prevent gun theft

The Atlanta Police would like to remind everyone to avoid leaving any valuable items such as firearms, pets and keys inside of parked vehicles. APD says most car thefts and break-ins are avoidable. If thieves don't see anything in a car, most don't waste their time. However, if they can see valuable items left in plain view, they know it's a sure win for them. 

They also offered these tips:

• Turn your car off and secure your doors whenever you get out of the car. No matter how short of time you plan to be out.
• Remove all valuables from plain sight and lock your car when you exit. Put valuables in the trunk if you must leave them in the car.
• Don’t leave keys or key fobs in car – running or not.
• Do not leave guns in your vehicle. If you must leave a weapon inside your car, secure it with a firearm safe and out of view.
• Pay attention to your surroundings.

Everytown says that pressure must be put on legislators at all levels to pass laws that are proven to help prevent thefts. Everytown also says that local elected officials, community leaders, law enforcement, and others must support public awareness campaigns on how to prevent thefts from cars.