Plano Police report that guns are increasingly being stolen from unlocked vehicles in the DFW area.
“These burglaries are highly preventable and by reducing the number of illegal guns on our streets, it could have a major impact on the violent crime and shootings that occur in the Dallas-Fort Worth area,” Plano Police reported on social media.
Guns are being taken from vehicles that are not locked and are parked in driveways, at restaurants, and in front of convenience stores. It only takes a few moments for these crimes to happen, law enforcement said.
In 2021, 83 guns were stolen from 78 vehicles, according to police. Of those 78 vehicles, 74 (or 95%) did not have their doors locked. In 2022, 121 guns were stolen from 105 vehicles. Of those 105 vehicles, 80 (or 76%) were not locked, police said.
The news about stolen guns in Plano comes just a few weeks after a rash of car break-ins in Plano over the holidays, the Plano Police posted.
Plano residents along westbound Legacy Drive from Central Expressway to Alma Drive said their cars were broken into over the holiday weekend, said Plano police. Common items taken during these vehicle burglaries include cash, designer goods, electronics, computers, and guns.
Car theft victims who have not reported the crime are encouraged to do so by Plano Police by calling the non-emergency number (972) 424-5678 to have an officer sent to your location or file a report online.
“Also, if you live in this area, please review your surveillance camera footage to see if you have any video that maybe used to help us identify the suspect(s) involved in these crimes,” Plano Police said.
Cars and trucks left unlocked or with valuables in plain view frequently result in vehicle burglaries. You can avoid becoming a victim of auto theft or a vehicle break-in by using the following steps advised by Plano Police to prevent vehicle or other personal property theft.
- Firearms and other weapons should never be left inside your vehicle
- Lock vehicle doors and keep the windows closed, even when parked in front of your home
- Do not leave items such as GPS, GPS holders, cell phones, iPads, purses, etc.
- Never leave your vehicle’s title or other personal documents in your vehicle
- Never leave your vehicle unattended with keys in the ignition
- Equip vehicles with an alarm or other anti-theft devices
- Park in busy and well-lit areas
“We take these crimes seriously and our detectives do a great job investigating these incidents but we desperately need your help to make Plano a hard target!” Plano Police wrote. Plano Police ask the public to “lock your doors, remove guns from your vehicles, and secure them in your home.”
The crime rate continues to rise in nearby Dallas. By the end of December 2022, it had increased by 1.5% from the year before. Notably, there were 6.29% more motor vehicle burglaries and almost 12% more motor vehicle thefts than in 2021. For ongoing coverage of crime in the Dallas-Fort Worth region and beyond, follow The Dallas Express.
