HUNTSVILLE — The Huntsville Police Department is beginning an initiative designed to increase community protection by slashing the number of firearms stolen during car break-ins in the city.
“Lock. Secure. Protect.” urges residents to secure their property by locking their car doors, especially if there are firearms inside.
“So far in Huntsville this year, we’ve seen 157 firearms stolen from vehicles – 22% of the total burglarized vehicles in our city,” HPD Chief Kirk Giles said. “This puts us all at risk. That’s why we’re asking for your help. Together, we can prevent these crimes and keep our community safer.”
According to the FBI, at least one gun is stolen from a car every nine minutes in the United States. Studies also indicate that most gun homicides and assaults involve stolen or illegal guns.
Since the start of 2023, more than 1,600 cars have been broken into in Huntsville.
“Many of the car break-ins and thefts we see are considered crimes of opportunity,” HPD Public Information Officer Sgt. Chris Jackson said. “Unlocked cars are easy targets, and it only takes a moment for someone to reach in and take whatever they can grab.”
To help make locking up a habit, HPD suggests these five tips:
- Set a reminder on your phone or smartwatch
- Place a sticker or small object in a visible spot inside your car
- Enable auto-lock features or use a smartphone app to lock it remotely
- Check the door handle to make sure the car is locked
- Create a mental or physical checklist to follow every time you park
