HAMPTON — The city’s police department recently released firearm theft prevention tips on their blog in an effort to let people know gun locks are available for free.
“It was something our investigations wanted out,” said Ashley Jenrette, police spokeswoman, in regards to whether the news release was related to higher incidents of firearm larcenies.
According to the police department’s announcement, suspects stealing weapons have be drawn to vehicles with bumper stickers or flags promoting military, law enforcement and other groups related to guns.
Jenrette said the police department sent out a prior news release a couple weeks ago but since no one visited the Community Engagement unit to get a free cable gun lock, the department decided to release the information again.
When asked how many people have gotten free gun locks since the second announcement, Jenrette said the department won’t have an exact record.
“I don’t believe they (Community Engagement) records everyone who gets gun locks,” she said.
In 2017, 107 firearms were stolen from vehicles and in 2018, 106 firearms were stolen from vehicles.
See the tips from the police department below:
- Do not leave valuables in vehicles and never leave a firearm unattended, including placement in the trunk of a vehicle.
- Firearms should be stored in a safe or locking cabinet.
- Keys or combination to the locking device should be maintained at a safe distance away from the firearm
- Stored firearms should be unloaded.
- Call your local law enforcement agency immediately to report any theft or loss.
For more information about free cable gun locks, call the Hampton Police Department Community Engagement department at 757-727-6574.
