Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) -- A concerning trend of unsecured firearms being stolen from cars continues to get worse, according to Richmond Police.
In the first half of 2022, 285 guns were stolen from cars in the city of Richmond. In the first half of 2023 alone, 358 guns were stolen from Richmond vehicles. RPD Chief Edwards pointed out that, by definition, all of these stolen guns find their way into the hands of criminals.
Theft from cars is a significant driving factor in the jump in overall property crimes in 2023, and Chief Edwards says that their data suggests that a very significant number of shootings and other violent crimes in Richmond involve guns stolen from cars.
Richmond Police are also offering free gun safes for gun owners who can't afford them but want to store their firearms safely.