JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is urging gun owners to take their firearms out of their vehicles after 388 guns were reported stolen from cars this year, up from 330 at the same point last year.
JSO spokesman Christian Hancock said the department has seen about 50 more guns stolen from vehicles this year compared with the same period in 2025.
In a post on X Wednesday, JSO said 38 firearms had been reported stolen from vehicles in Jacksonville in the previous 21 days.
“Your vehicle is not a safe place to store your firearm,” JSO said in the post, warning that stolen guns can be used to commit violent crimes.
Your vehicle is not a safe place to store your firearm.
Criminals target vehicles because they know people leave guns inside. They break into cars and steal firearms, and criminals can later use those stolen guns to commit violent crimes.
In just the last 21 days, 38 firearms have been reported stolen from vehicles in Jacksonville.
We can change that number.
Lock your car, take your firearm inside, and secure it properly.
Taking a few extra seconds at the end of the day can help keep your firearm out of a criminal’s hands.
— Jax Sheriff’s Office (@JSOPIO) October 7, 2026
Tim Foster, director of operations at St. Nicholas Gun & Range, said the best way to prevent a firearm from being stolen from a vehicle is not to leave it there.
“Maybe the person can’t own a firearm, so they’re looking to steal one,” Foster said of people who break into vehicles.
Hancock said people who cannot legally carry a firearm where they are going should leave it secured at home. For those who must leave a firearm in a vehicle, Foster recommended using a lockbox secured with a cable around a seat.
JSO also urges gun owners to report a stolen firearm as soon as possible.
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