The Austin Police Department is looking into guns stolen during vehicle thefts over the past couple of years. Here’s what residents need to know.
APD put out a press release about the investigation on Wednesday. According to the bulletin, the department has been investigating the burglary of vehicles in Northwest Austin for the last two years. In many of these incidents, police learned guns were stolen from the burglarized vehicles.
The number of incidents has decreased since January 2024, the burglaries are still occurring and guns are still being stolen in these reported incidents.
So APD is reminding the community about several tips that can help prevent these incidents from happening in the first place and what they should do if they are a victim of such a crime.
Don’t leave guns in vehicles.Gun owners should keep written or photo record of the serial number, make, and model of their gun so it can be properly reported if stolen.Always lock vehicles and set an alarm if possible.Park in well-lit areas.Never leave keys in a vehicle or a vehicle running unattended.
Residents can report suspicious activity to 9-1-1 or 3-1-1 (for emergencies and non-emergencies respectively). File police or 3-1-1 reports online here.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) recommends first reporting stolen firearms to local police. After that, residents can call the ATF’s Stolen Firearms Program Manager toll free at 1-888-930-9275. ATF will work with the local law enforcement authorities investigating the theft.