Authorities urge San Antonio residents to secure firearms properly during holiday season as city faces high rate of vehicle-related gun thefts

San Antonio, Texas – With the holiday season upon us, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas is emphasizing the importance of securely storing firearms, especially when they are left in vehicles. Gun owners are urged to avoid becoming victims of firearm thefts, which have increasingly occurred in San Antonio, particularly in retail parking lots.

Rising Incidents of Gun Theft

According to law enforcement, nearly 2,300 firearms have been stolen from vehicles in San Antonio this year. Retail parking lots and other high-traffic areas are often targeted by burglars, who can break into vehicles and steal firearms in less than 15 seconds. Thieves frequently target trucks and vehicles displaying stickers or insignia that indicate military or law enforcement affiliations, or those that suggest firearm ownership.

Stolen firearms frequently end up being used in violent crimes within the community, contributing to a growing safety concern.

Warnings from Officials

U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza issued a stern reminder, stating, “While you are shopping for holiday gifts to give your friends and loved ones, it takes no time at all for a thief to steal an improperly secured gun from your locked car. That same gun, which was lawfully yours, is likely to be sold for profit and used in a violent crime—even killing a law enforcement officer or an innocent child. Do not make it these despicable acts any easier for criminals. Store your firearms properly and avoid becoming a victim of gun theft.”

Michael Weddel, Special Agent in Charge for the ATF Houston Field Division, said, “Keeping your firearms secure is key to preventing theft and keeping our community safe. If firearms are not allowed in retail stores or venues that you are visiting, we urge you to store your firearms in a safe and secure gun storage. A little precaution goes a long way in keeping you and everyone around you safe.”

Research on Gun Thefts

Under the Project Safe Neighborhoods program aimed at combating violent crime, the Department of Justice awarded funding to the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Researcher Dr. Alex Testa used the funding to study the alarming trend of firearm thefts from vehicles.

Testa explained, “Many gun owners are unaware of the serious risks that come with leaving firearms in vehicles. Even locked cars and compartments are highly susceptible to break-ins, making firearms left in vehicles prime targets for theft. With San Antonio ranking fifth in the nation for firearm thefts from vehicles, raising awareness about these risks is essential to protect both gun owners and the broader community.”

Local Leaders Call for Responsible Gun Ownership

Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales highlighted the community-wide impact of gun thefts, saying, “Each stolen firearm represents a potential weapon in the hands of a criminal, threatening the safety of our community. Preventing gun theft starts with responsible ownership by securing your firearms, please keep them out of the wrong hands and protect the lives of your family and neighbors this holiday season.”

Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar echoed this sentiment, emphasizing personal accountability. “I am sure the last thing anyone wants to do is contribute to violent crimes being committed through their own carelessness or neglect. It is incumbent upon every firearm owner to be cognizant of where weapons are kept at all times.”

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus also underscored the link between stolen firearms and violent crimes. “Stolen guns are used to commit violent crimes. We urge responsible gun ownership, including planning ahead and leaving your firearm at home if you know that you will be entering an establishment that prohibits the carrying of firearms.”

Key Takeaways for Firearm Owners

As the holidays bring increased activity at malls and shopping centers, firearm owners are reminded that a locked car is not a secure location for storing guns. Law enforcement and community leaders recommend keeping firearms in safe storage at home if they are not allowed at retail establishments or venues being visited.

By taking extra precautions and ensuring responsible firearm ownership, gun owners can help reduce thefts, protect the community, and prevent their firearms from being used in violent crimes. For the safety of all, law enforcement urges every firearm owner to plan ahead and store their weapons securely.