Chattanooga, TN – According to the statement, this initiative came in response to a growing issue of guns being stolen from cars throughout the city.
In 2023 year alone, 396 firearms were reported stolen from vehicles in Chattanooga, with nearly half of those thefts occurring from unlocked vehicles.
The campaign emphasized the critical importance of securely storing firearms and always locking vehicles to prevent gun thefts. To help residents protect their firearms, the initiative provided guidance on secure storage methods within vehicles.
Vehicle owners were encouraged to use dedicated gun safes, which are specifically designed for vehicles and can be mounted securely in less visible areas such as the trunk or beneath the driver’s seat. These safes should be bolted down to prevent easy removal and should utilize combination or key locks, with the key kept separate from the vehicle keys.
The initiative also highlighted the use of lockable compartments within vehicles, recommending that these compartments have strong, reinforced locks. Again, owners were advised to keep the key separate from their vehicle keys to further enhance security.
Finally, the program underscored the importance of holster safety when transferring firearms. Firearms should remain in their holsters to prevent accidental discharge during handling.
CHI Memorial and the Chattanooga Police Department hoped that these simple but effective measures would help curb gun theft in the area, making Chattanooga a safer community for all.