As responsible gun owners, we all share the concern that our weapons can end up in the wrong hands. In order to help prevent this from happening, continue reading to learn some of the most effective ways to protect yourself from unauthorized access to and loss of a firearm.
While guns can sometimes be stolen from gun stores, it is also important to learn how the average person can prevent their weapons from being stolen. Vehicle break-ins, for instance, can happen in different ways, such as in your own driveway or in the parking lot behind your home.
If your local law enforcers have online crime reporting, you can easily see where these crimes are most likely to occur. For instance, vehicle break-ins are more likely to occur in areas with high concentrations of other violent crimes. They have easily become one of the simplest targets for thieves.
Most thieves will only break a window in order to steal something. They will also try looking for hidden valuables in the vehicle’s windows. They will additionally try opening the door handles to see if there is something valuable inside, particularly in the glove box and the center console.
Protecting Your Vehicle From Gun Theft
In most cases, thieves will only try looking for hidden valuables in the vehicle’s windows. Having a garaged vehicle can be safer than having one parked in the driveway and prevent this theft from occurring. One of the most common reasons why gun thieves target unmarked and marked police cars, for instance, is because they know that there are guns inside.
One of the most important factors that car owners can consider when it comes to protecting their valuables is having a layered security system. This could include having a car alarm, parking in areas with better traffic flow, and making sure that nothing of value is visible from the outside of the vehicle. Never leave bags, purses, and other valuables in the car. Although some cars are more secure than others, it has been observed that certain models are more likely to be broken into.
Protecting Your Home From Gun Theft
One of the most important factors that gun owners can consider when it comes to protecting their valuables is having a well-made gun safe. Although it can be expensive, having a well-designed safe can provide you with the best protection against unauthorized access. Having a layered security system can also help prevent criminals from accessing your home.
If you do not own a safe and rather have specific hiding spots for your guns, it is recommended that you keep these locations private, even from close friends and family members.
When you leave your firearms in the home, they should ideally be stored in a safe that’s either too heavy to carry away or secured to the wall or floor. Having an alarm system can help prevent criminals from searching for and stealing your guns.