Guns stolen from vehicles remains a persistent problem in Nashville.
A review of stolen gun reports in Nashville from Sunday, May 30, through Saturday, June 5, shows that 17 guns were stolen from cars and trucks, 5 from unlocked vehicles.
These guns are routinely taken from autos in parking garages and those parked outside night clubs, private residences, hotels, and short term rental properties. Those involved in these thefts are often young people who later use these weapons in violent criminal acts, including homicide. So far this year, 343 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The number of guns stolen from vehicles this year by precinct are North (34), South (42), Central (33), East (24), West (16), Midtown Hills (96), Madison (34) and Hermitage (64).
Going hand in hand with vehicle burglaries is vehicle theft. A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville during this same reporting period shows that 72% of the automobiles taken (55 of 76) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Nine of the 76 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present. Just like guns taken from vehicles, these stolen autos are also routinely involved in additional criminal activities, including carjackings and robberies.
The MNPD strongly encourage Nashvillians to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables---especially guns, and remove the keys. These simple actions will go a long way in preventing crime and could very well save a life.