Tampa Libraries Are Giving Away Free Gun Locks: How To Get One
Car theft has been on the rise in Tampa Bay the past few years, up 33% nationwide in the first half of 2023. And it’s not just catalytic converters or other car parts these thieves are taking. Gun thefts from vehicles have tripled within the last decade. The Tampa Police Department is offering free gun locks to help promote firearm safety and hopefully reduce the number of thefts.
So far this year, Tampa Police have recovered 900 firearms. According to the Tampa Bay Times, in 2023,79% of all vehicle burglaries in Tampa were to unlocked cars. Of those unlocked cars, 197 guns were stolen. It’s an ongoing issue of seeing stolen firearms being used to commit a crime. Free gun locks can always be picked up at any district office or police headquarters through the Tampa Police Department’s “Project Locked and Unloaded” initiative.
Cpl. Gig Brown, Corporal for Community Engagement with Tampa Police Department told News Channel 8 “It’s keeping them out of the hands of those who should not have those. Not necessarily just bad guys, we’re also talking about our kids around the house.”
Tampa Libraries Offering Free Gun Locks And How To Get One:
Deterring crime starts by working as a community to keep guns from falling into the wrong hands. One of the reasons Tampa is expanding the initiative to libraries is because they are more accessible, in a safe community space, and less intimidating than going to police stations or districts. You can get a free gun lock at these Tampa libraries (no questions asked and no library card is needed):
- Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library – 3910 S. Manhattan Ave, Tampa
- North Tampa Brach Library – 8916 North Blvd, Tampa
- New Tampa Regional Library – 10001 Cross Creek Blvd, Tampa
- Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library – 1505 N. Nebraska Ave, Tampa
Everyone (especially gun owners) should be more cautious to help prevent car theft. Remember to park in well lit areas, close all windows, lock all doors, and take your keys with you! Even if you’re just running into your house or store for a second. (25% of stolen vehicles had the keys in the ignition. Most with the engine running! Even though you do not need to report a stolen gun in Florida, you should keep your records, contact an attorney, and disclose to the police if your firearm is ever stolen.
