GUN THEFTS FROM CARS IN NASHVILLE
Where do the illegal guns flooding our communities and driving violent crimes come from? In Tennessee, many are stolen from vehicles - and an astonishing number of them are stolen from vehicles left unlocked.
In 2013, the Tennessee General Assembly passed a law to allow gun owners with gun permits to store guns in their vehicles, even on property that prohibited them. The controversial law, known as “gun in trunks” was opposed by many in the business community. A Republican caucus chair with an A rating from the NRA who listened to business owners and voted against the bill lost her seat when the NRA spent over $100,000 to run someone against her in her primary. In 2014, the law was expanded to allow any gun owner to store a firearm in their vehicle, regardless of whether or not they were a valid permit holder.
Since that time, gun thefts from vehicles have gone up across the state. In Memphis alone, gun thefts from vehicles have increased 256 percent since 2013. In 2013, 358 were stolen from vehicles in Memphis. In 2018, 1,273 were stolen. Memphis broke a homicide record in 2016 and is on pace to break another one in 2019.
In Nashville, gun thefts from vehicles have increased by more than 390 percent since 2012.
In 2017, Nashville came close to breaking an all-time homicide record. 2017 was reported to be the bloodiest year for youths in over a decade.
The problem is confounding to law enforcement. Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings has been very critical of the “guns in trunks” law, noting the “unintended consequences” of legislation.
“Laws have unintended consequences. We cannot ignore that as a legislature passes laws that make guns more accessible to criminals that has a direct effect on our violent crime rate.” - MPD Director Michael Rallings
Metro Nashville Police Department East Nashville Commander David Imhoff created flyers plastered with the message: “STOP ARMING CRIMINALS IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.” He had his officers hand them out at every traffic stop, and he mailed them to every household in high risk neighborhoods. He spoke at 25 community meetings a month and contacted local TV stations.
But the gun owners leaving firearms in their vehicles don’t appear to be getting the message. Hundreds of guns have been stolen from vehicles in Nashville already this year. Below are press releases sent out by the Metro Nashville Police Department this year, noting both the number of firearms stolen and urging gun owners storing guns in their cars to lock them vehicle and keep the firearms secured and out of view.
The single most important responsibility a gun owner has is to keep their weapons out of the hands of unauthorized users, be it curious kids or thieves.
62% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
7/29/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, July 19, through Saturday, July 25, shows that 62% of the automobiles taken (49 of 79) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Seven of the 79 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of 13 guns were stolen from vehicles; 8 of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 389 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
Majority of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
7/22/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, July 12, through Saturday, July 18, shows that 64% of the automobiles taken (43 of 67) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Five of the 67 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of 26 guns were stolen from vehicles; 11 of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 376 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
71% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
7/15/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, July 5, through Saturday, July 11, shows that 71% of the automobiles taken (52 of 73) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Six of the 73 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of 18 guns were stolen from vehicles; six of those vehicles was left unlocked. So far this year, 350 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
69% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
7/8/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, June 28 through Saturday, July 4, shows that 69% of the automobiles taken (47 of 68) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves.
During this reporting time period, a total of 14 guns were stolen from vehicles; 12 of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 332 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
70% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
7/1/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, June 21st through Saturday, June 27, shows that 70% of the automobiles taken (38 of 54) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves.
During this reporting time period, a total of 13 guns were stolen from vehicles; five of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 318 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
58% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
6/24/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, June 14 through Saturday, June 20, shows that 58% of the automobiles taken (39 of 67) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves.
During this reporting time period, a total of nine guns were stolen from vehicles; five of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 318 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
58% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
6/18/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, June 7 through Saturday, June 13, shows that 58% of the automobiles taken (32 of 55) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Five of the 55 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of six guns were stolen from vehicles; two of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 309 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
76% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
6/10/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, May 31 through Saturday, June 6, shows that 76% of the automobiles taken (44 of 58) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Six of the 58 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of seven guns were stolen from vehicles; one of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 303 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
62% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
5/27/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, May 17 through Saturday, May 23, shows that 62% of the automobiles taken (28 of 45) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Three of the 45 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of eleven guns were stolen from vehicles; six of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 286 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
68% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
5/14/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Persons leaving keys, unsecured guns, and other valuables inside unlocked vehicles remain persistent issues for Nashvillians.
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, May 3 through Saturday, May 9, shows that 68% of the automobiles taken (34 of 50) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Three of the 50 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of 17 guns were stolen from vehicles; 11 of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 261 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
69% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
5/7/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Persons leaving keys, unsecured guns, and other valuables inside unlocked vehicles remain persistent issues for Nashvillians.
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, April 26 through Saturday, May 2, shows that 69% of the automobiles taken (25 of 36) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Three of the 36 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of 13 guns were stolen from vehicles; 10 of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 244 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
55% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
4/30/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Persons leaving keys, unsecured guns, and other valuables inside unlocked vehicles remain persistent issues for Nashvillians.
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, April 19 through Saturday, April 25, shows that 55% of the automobiles taken (31 of 56) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Three of the 56 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of 7 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; 5 of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 231 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
68% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
4/23/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Persons leaving keys, unsecured guns, and other valuables inside unlocked vehicles remain persistent issues for Nashvillians.
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, April 12 through Saturday, April 18, shows that 68% of the automobiles taken (32 of 47) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Two of the 47 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of 10 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; six of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 224 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
63% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys and 23 Guns Stolen During Auto Break-Ins
4/9/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Persons leaving keys, unsecured guns, and other valuables inside unlocked vehicles remain serious issues for Nashvillians.
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, March 29 through Saturday, April 4, shows that 63% of the automobiles taken (37 of 59) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Seven of the 59 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of 23 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; 20 of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 197 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
70% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys and 15 Guns Taken During Auto Burglaries
4/2/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, March 22 through Saturday, March 28, shows that 70% of the automobiles taken (35 of 50) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Four of the 50 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of 15 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; six of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 174 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
75% of Vehicles Stolen Last Week Taken with Keys
3/25/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, March 15 through Saturday, March 21, shows that 75% of the automobiles taken (39 of 52) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Four of the 52 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of ten guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; five of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, at least 159 guns have been reported stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
65% of Vehicles Stolen Last Week Taken with Keys
3/19/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, March 8 through Saturday, March 14, shows that 65% of the automobiles taken (30 of 36) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Six of the 36 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of 16 guns were stolen from vehicles; 9 of those vehicles were left unlocked.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
62% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
3/12/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, March 1st through Saturday, March 7, shows that 62% of the automobiles taken (28 of 45) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Three of the 45 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of 11 guns were stolen from vehicles; 4 of those vehicles were left unlocked.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
20 Guns Taken from Vehicles Last Week, 9 from Unlocked Autos
2/26/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, February 16 through Saturday, February 22, shows that 77% of the automobiles taken (53 of 69) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Thirteen of the 69 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of 20 guns were stolen from vehicles; 9 of those vehicles were left unlocked.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
73% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
2/19/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, February 9 through Saturday, February 15, shows that 73% of the automobiles taken (43 of 59) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Twelve of the 59 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of 12 guns were stolen from vehicles; 5 of those vehicles were left unlocked.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
71% of Stolen Automobiles Taken with Keys Between February 2-8
2/12/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, February 2 through Saturday, February 8, shows that 71% of the automobiles taken (42 of 59) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Eight of the 59 vehicles stolen were left warming up without the driver present.
During the same period, a total of 12 guns were stolen from vehicles, putting innocent persons in our community at risk.
The police department strongly urges gun owners to take steps to secure their weapons and, of course, to remove the keys when leaving cars and trucks unattended.
71% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
2/5/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, January 26th through Saturday, February 1st, shows that 71% of the automobiles taken (49 of 69) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Ten of the 49 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of 8 guns were stolen from vehicles; 2 of those vehicles were left unlocked.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
60% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys; Fifteen Left Running without the Driver Present
1/29/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, January 19th through Saturday, January 25th, shows that 60% of the automobiles taken (53 of 88) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Fifteen of the 88 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of 13 guns were stolen from vehicles; six of those vehicles were left unlocked.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
73% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
1/22/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, January 12 through Saturday, January 18, shows that 73% of the automobiles taken (43 of 59) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Four of the 59 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of 20 guns were stolen from vehicles; eight of those vehicles were left unlocked.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
63% of Vehicles Stolen Last Week Taken with Keys
1/8/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, December 29 through Saturday, January 4, shows that 63% of the automobiles taken (22 of 35) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Three of the 35 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of 13 guns were stolen from vehicles; two of those vehicles were left unlocked.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
Guns stolen from cars in Nashville increased by more than 390% since 2012, records show (The Tennessean)
12/16/2019
In 2019, MNPD logged a total of 747 guns stolen from vehicles. In 2012, 152 guns were stolen from vehicles in Nashville.
61% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys; 14 Guns Stolen During Auto Break-Ins
12/18/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, December 8 through Saturday, December 14, shows that 61% of the automobiles taken (28 of 46) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Two of the 46 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of 14 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; seven of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 691 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
77% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
12/11/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, December 1 through Saturday, December 7, shows that 77% of the automobiles taken (47 of 61) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Four of the 61 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of 12 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; seven of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 677 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
51% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
12/4/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, November 24 through Saturday, November 30, shows that 51% of the automobiles taken (27 of 53) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves.
During this reporting time period, a total of nine guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; three of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 665 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
70% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
11/27/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, November 17 through Saturday, November 23, shows that 70% of the automobiles taken (35 of 50) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves.
During this reporting time period, a total of ten guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; five of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 656 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
22 Guns Stolen from Vehicles Last Week and 78% of Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
11/20/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, November 10 through Saturday, November 16, shows that 78% of the automobiles taken (49 of 63) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves.
During this reporting time period, a total of 22 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; eight of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 646 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
70% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
11/13/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, November 3 through Saturday, November 9, shows that 70% of the automobiles taken (42 of 60) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves.
During this reporting time period, a total of 14 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; six of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 624 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
73% of Vehicles Stolen Last Week Taken with Keys
11/7/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, October 27 through Saturday, November 2, shows that 73% of the automobiles taken (37 of 51) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves.
During this reporting time period, a total of nine guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; three of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 610 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
Vehicles Continue to Be Stolen with Keys and 14 Guns Taken During Vehicle Burglaries Last Week
11/1/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, October 20 through Saturday, October 26, shows that 56% of the automobiles taken (23 of 41) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves.
During this reporting time period, a total of 14 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; nine of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 601 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
74% of Vehicles Stolen Last Week Taken with Keys
10/24/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, October 13 through Saturday, October 19, shows that 74% of the automobiles taken (48 of 65) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves.
During this reporting time period, a total of 13 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; nine of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 587 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
79% of Vehicles Stolen Last Week Taken with Keys
10/16/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, October 6 through Saturday, October 12, shows that 79% of the automobiles taken (43 of 54) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves.
During this reporting time period, a total of ten guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; six of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 574 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
72% of Vehicles Stolen Last Week Taken with Keys
10/9/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, September 29 through Saturday, October 5, shows that 72% of the automobiles taken (34 of 47) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves.
During this reporting time period, a total of nine guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; four of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 564 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
Majority of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys and 13 Guns Taken During Vehicle Burglaries
10/2/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, September 22 through Saturday, September 28, shows that 54% of the automobiles taken (27 of 50) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves.
During this reporting time period, a total of 13 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; eight of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 555 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
69% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
9/25/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, September 15 through Saturday, September 21, shows that 69% of the automobiles taken (33 of 48) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves.
During this reporting time period, a total of 12 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; four of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 542 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
51% of Vehicles Stolen Last Week Taken with Keys
9/18/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, September 8 through Saturday, September 14, shows that 51% of the automobiles taken (25 of 45) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves.
During this reporting time period, a total of 20 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; ten (half) of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 530 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
Park Smart: Number of Guns Stolen During Vehicle Burglaries This Year Tops 500
9/12/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, September 1 through Saturday, September 7, shows that 49% of the automobiles taken (17 of 35) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves.
During this reporting time period, a total of 19 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; six of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 510 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
20 Guns Taken Last Week During Vehicle Burglaries
9/5/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, August 25 through Saturday, August 31, shows that 68% of the automobiles taken (32 of 47) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves.
During this reporting time period, a total of 20 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; nine of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 491 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
67% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
8/28/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, August 18 through Saturday, August 24, shows that 67% of the automobiles taken (36 of 54) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Five of the 54 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of six guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; four of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 471 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
26 Guns Taken During Vehicle Burglaries Last Week
8/21/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, August 11th through Saturday, August 17th, shows that 68% of the automobiles taken (28 of 41) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Two of the 41 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of 26 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; eight of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 465 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
20 Guns Stolen During Vehicle Burglaries Last Week; 12 Taken from Unlocked Vehicles
8/15/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, August 4 through Saturday, August 10, shows that 80% of the automobiles taken (41 of 51) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Five of the 51 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of 20 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; 12 of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 439 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
61% of Vehicles Stolen Last Week Taken with Keys
8/7/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, July 28 through Saturday, August 3, shows that 61% of the automobiles taken (30 of 49) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Two of the 49 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of nine guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; 7 of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 419 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
59% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
7/25/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, July 14 through Saturday, July 20, shows that 59% of the automobiles taken (35 of 59) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves.
During this reporting time period, a total of 17 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; six of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 396 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
62% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys
7/18/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, July 7 through Saturday, July 13, shows that 62% of the automobiles taken (45 of 73) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves.
During this reporting time period, a total of 20 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; eight of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 379 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
25 Guns Stolen During Vehicle Burglaries Last Week; 64% of Autos Taken with Keys During Same Period
7/2/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, June 23 through Saturday, June 29, shows that 64% of the automobiles taken (35 of 55) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. One of the vehicles stolen was left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of 25 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; eight of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 332 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
25 Guns Taken During Vehicle Burglaries Last Week & 69% of Vehicles Stolen Taken with Keys
6/26/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, June 16 through Saturday, June 22, shows that 69% of the automobiles taken (37 of 54) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. SIX of the vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present!
During this reporting time period, a total of 25 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; 15 of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 307 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
Last Week 12 Guns Taken During Vehicle Burglaries and 69% of Vehicles Stolen Taken with Keys
5/30/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, May 19 through Saturday, May 25, shows that 69% of the automobiles taken (41 of 59) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Seven of the 59 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of 12 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; six of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 252 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
51% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys; Nine Guns Stolen During Vehicle Burglaries
5/23/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, May 12 through Saturday, May 18, shows that 51% of the automobiles taken (25 of 49) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Six of the 49 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
During this reporting time period, a total of 9 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; 7 of those vehicles were left unlocked. So far this year, 240 guns have been stolen from vehicles.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
Park Smart: Nine Guns Taken During Vehicle Burglaries Last Week
5/8/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, April 28 through Saturday, May 4, shows that 78% of the automobiles taken (39 of 50) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. During this reporting time period, a total of nine guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; five of those vehicles were left unlocked.
Five of the 50 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
71% of Last Week’s Stolen Vehicles Taken with Keys and 12 Guns Stolen During Vehicle Burglaries
4/17/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, April 7 through Saturday, April 13, shows that 71% of the automobiles taken (32 of 45) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. During this reporting time period, a total of 12 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; three of those vehicles were left unlocked.
Three of the 32 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
Officers also urge citizens to SHOP SMART by not leaving purses or other valuables unattended in shopping carts or in plain view in vehicles, even for a very short time. An unattended purse or wallet is an easy target for a thief.
17 Guns Stolen Last Week During Vehicle Burglaries
4/11/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, March 31st through Saturday, April 6th, shows that 68% of the automobiles taken (32 of 47) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. During this reporting time period, a total of 17 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries; three of those vehicles were left unlocked.
Four of the 27 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS.
Officers also urge citizens to SHOP SMART by not leaving purses or other valuables unattended in shopping carts or in plain view in vehicles, even for a very short time. An unattended purse or wallet is an easy target for a thief.
Park Smart: 21 Guns Taken During Vehicle Burglaries Last Week
4/3/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A review of stolen vehicle reports in Nashville from Sunday, March 24 through Saturday, March 30, shows that 64% of the automobiles taken (27 of 42) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Five of the 27 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present.
The police department’s continuing PARK SMART campaign strongly urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables—including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS. During this reporting time period, a total of 21 guns were stolen during vehicle burglaries, some of those vehicles were left unlocked.
Officers also urge citizens to SHOP SMART by not leaving purses or other valuables unattended in shopping carts or in plain view in vehicles, even for a very short time. An unattended purse or wallet is an easy target for a thief.