Gun thefts increasing in Salt Lake City
Jan 26, 2022, 2:04 PM | Updated: 3:30 pm
FILE (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – The number of stolen guns hit staggering levels last year.
Salt Lake City Police said they took 294 reports of stolen firearms in 2021.
That’s almost one stolen gun each day and that’s just the incidents that were reported to the police.
It translated to a 24% increase over the three-year average police said.
The thefts are happening at nearly the same rate this year. Already police have taken 19 reports for 2022.
Last year, our department took 294 reports of firearms stolen from people who live, work, or visit #SLC. That's a 24% increase over the three-year average. The #SLCPD reminds gun owners about the importance of safe gun storage by sharing this video. #saltlakecity #ut #guns pic.twitter.com/FjzBteH3NZ
— Salt Lake City Police (@slcpd) January 26, 2022
Detective Mike Ruff said, “When a firearm is stolen it could easily end up in the hands of someone will to use your gun to commit a violent crime such as a robbery or even worse, hurting or killing someone.”
Police sent out a tweet reminding people to remind people to store their guns safely.
Store your firearms in a safe, not in a closet or under a bed.
Do not leave your gun in a vehicle. Especially when it’s parked in an unsecured location. Don’t keep your gun in the glove box. It’s the first place thieves look police said.
Finally, take photos of your firearm and track the serial numbers in case it is used in a crime.
