Following a recent trend of firearms stolen from vehicles in Dallas, the Dallas Police Department and ATF Dallas Field Division’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center partnered to gather data on firearms stolen or burglarized from vehicles within the city of Dallas, to inform the public of the trend and to prevent future crimes.
The data shows in 2023, there were 2,394 firearms reported stolen from vehicles within the Dallas Police Department’s jurisdiction. That is an average of about seven firearms stolen a day.
Further research showed hotspots for the crimes, including the Central Business District, the HWY 75 corridor between Forest Lane and Northwest Highway, and the I-35 intersection located along 348, Highway 114 and Loop 12.
These areas include mainly shopping centers, bars, and restaurants.
Each stolen gun is a potential threat to our city, and our Dallas Police officers.
Data gathered by the ATF shows that in 2023, stolen firearms have been used in aggravated assaults, robbery, and deadly conduct offenses.
This is not victim blaming. Ultimately, criminals are responsible and the men and women of DPD work tirelessly to take the criminal element off our street.
Still, the Dallas Police Department needs the public’s help to combat this crime.
Always have a plan to make sure your firearms are stored safely and securely.
Make sure to lock your vehicle and keep valuables out of sight, or better yet, don’t keep them in your vehicle to help prevent yourself from becoming a victim of a burglary.
Also, make sure to write down or keep your firearm serial numbers in a safe place. This will make it easier for law enforcement to find or track your firearm if it is stolen. Always report a stolen firearm to law enforcement.
The men and women of the Dallas Police Department work each day to prevent and fight crime in our great city.
By safely securing your firearms, you are helping us protect our city – and together, we will keep Dallas safe.