lauracmorel

Hi there. So I found cases where these stolen guns were later found in drug houses or on drug dealers or convicted felons who can't legally buy a gun. A few guns, I found, were used to commit violent crimes, like shootings and murders, including the murder of a Florida police officer. The cops also said a lot of these guns end up being trafficked across state lines, potentially affecting other communities.

I present two alternatives in my stories. The first: responsible gun ownership, and the idea that gun owners should secure their weapons and do everything in their power to make sure these guns don't get into the wrong hands. But I also spoke to some experts and lawmakers who say the issue could be better addressed through laws that require gun owners to secure their weapons. Right now, Massachusetts is the only state that has such a law in place. One law professor who studies gun policy told me: "A lot of people aren’t really aware of the dangers of unsecured guns... I do think (laws) would make people more cautious.”

I haven't encountered any research or studies that suggest gun theft victims are less likely to come forward, but that's a really, really good point.

Yeah, but that raises another challenge: How do we make sure gun owners are responsible? In Florida, people who get their concealed carry permit have to take a firearms safety class. I've heard that while some of these courses are very thorough, others are sub par. Maybe the solution is in requiring that these classes teach the exact same curriculum, including safe storage? Just a thought.

Apparently, a lot of people. I think psychologically, it comes down to assuming that your vehicle is a safe space and that no one will violate your privacy. But in reality, an unlocked car is a huge crime of opportunity for thieves. All they have to do is open your door and rummage inside. There's no need to smash windows. Law enforcement around Florida have been trying for years through different public campaigns that gun owners should either lock their cars, or take their firearm with them when they get home.