The Huntsville Police Department (HPD) has launched the “Lock, Secure, Protect” initiative to highlight the importance of locking vehicles to safeguard personal property and neighborhoods.
Stolen Guns Pose Serious Risks
This campaign aims to reduce thefts from unlocked cars, especially firearms. The FBI reports that a gun is stolen from a vehicle every nine minutes nationwide, with most stolen guns contributing to violent crimes like homicides and assaults.
“So far this year, 157 firearms have been stolen from vehicles in Huntsville, accounting for 22% of all car burglaries in our city,” said HPD Chief Kirk Giles. “This endangers everyone. By taking simple precautions, we can work together to reduce these risks and protect our community.”
Tips for Locking Up
According to HPD Public Information Officer Sgt. Chris Jackson, over 1,600 car break-ins have been reported in Huntsville since the start of 2023. Many of these thefts are “crimes of opportunity,” targeting unlocked vehicles that can be accessed in seconds.
To encourage residents to make locking vehicles a habit, HPD offers these tips:
Set a daily reminder on your phone or smartwatch.
Use visual cues, like a sticker or small object inside your car.
Enable auto-lock features or use a smartphone app to secure your vehicle remotely.
Double-check door handles to ensure your car is locked before leaving.
Create a mental or physical checklist for every parking stop.
Simple actions like these can prevent crimes and help create a safer Huntsville.
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