TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – The Tallahassee Police Department is reporting a slight increase in car burglaries, while also emphasizing the importance of not leaving guns in unlocked cars.
So far this year, TPD is reporting 60 guns have been stolen from cars and 50 of them were taken from unlocked cars.
“That’s a real problem and we can do better as a community,” TPD Detective Michael Carter said. “Oftentimes, these people that are stealing firearms, they don’t have the best intentions. They’re out there stealing for a reason. And for them to be able to get a firearm, it just may empower them more to go and do other crimes.”
He says people should avoid leaving their guns in the car altogether, but if you do, he says to be proactive.
More Tallahassee News
“Being a gun owner does come with a great responsibility,” Carter said. “I would encourage you to take it inside if you’re not going to be in your vehicle. But, if you are going to leave it in your vehicle, some other preventative measures may be to actually get a lockbox.”
Carter said when people commit violent crimes, many times, a gun was used. “So if we can, potentially, prevent someone from getting a firearm from a vehicle that’s being burglarized, then that could potentially reduce the numbers in other areas.”
Even for people who don’t have guns in their cars, Carter said many theft victims do not routinely lock their doors, and that needs to be a habit.
To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Nextdoor and X (Twitter).
Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here. Please include the article’s headline in your message.
Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here to get started.
Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.