St. Pete Takes Aim At Gun Violence

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway and Mayor Rick Kriseman are hoping two new efforts will help curb gun violence within the city.

The two banded together Friday to announce the efforts that involve the giveaway of free items meant to safeguard guns from accidental firing and theft.

Kriseman has drafted a letter he’s asking all local gun shop owners to hand out to legal gun owners. That letter asks owners to “store their guns safely to keep them out of the hands of children and criminals,” an email from the city said.

St. Petersburg is also offering anyone who lives or works in the city a chance to pick up a free gun lock. They are available through the Crime Prevention Unit by calling 727-893-7128.

The city is also giving away free “clubs” to help prevent auto theft. They are also available by calling the crime prevention unit.

Gun theft from vehicles is a particular concern in St. Petersburg, Holloway said. In 2015, the city had a total of 293 firearms reported stolen. A total of 155 of them were taken from vehicles. With that in mind, Holloway is reminding residents to take their weapons out of their vehicles and to keep their doors locked.

Image via Shutterstock

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