Gun Theft From Unlocked Cars On The Rise In St. Pete: Police

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Gun stealing from unlocked cars in the St. Petersburg area is on the rise, according to St. Pete police.

In 2019, there were 211 guns stolen from cars in St. Pete, officials told Patch.

That's about 11 guns stolen per month, but in the last 14 days police say 12 guns have been stolen from unlocked cars in various parts of the city.

"We do not want these legally purchased guns in the hands of criminals," police said.

Authorities say they have no trend to believe the guns thefts have been committed by the same person(s).

"Gun safety and protecting your firearm should be a top priority," Rafael Lopez said. "These are crimes of opportunity. So, we want to remind people to hide valuables in plain sight & lock their car doors."

The locations where the incidents took place, according to St. Pete Police Department:

• 1400 block of 67th Avenue South
• 4400 block of Fourth Avenue North
• 700 block of 37th Avenue North
• 2300 block of Lynn Lake Drive South
• 2700 block of 22nd Street South
• 2400 block of Ninth Avenue North
• 2800 block of 37th Street North
• 1300 block of 35th Street North
• 4300 block of Second Avenue North
• 900 block of 26th Street North
• 1400 block of 18 Avenue South
• 200 block of 26th Avenue North