Gun Thefts Are on The Rise

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Federal authorities say gun thefts are on the rise.

The Walker County Sheriff’s Office reported a gun theft from a vehicle just last week and News 12 will be looking at this recent trend.

Many people chose to keep their guns in the car and authorities say that is not the best place

Car break-ins are certainly nothing new. The thieves typically look for anything valuable, but the new trend is for thieves to target fire arms.

The stolen guns contribute to the already high number of illegal guns on the streets. In Chattanooga Officers confiscated over 900 illegal weapon in 2016.

Authorities are advising everyone to take the extra second to make sure your car is locked.

In Georgia Federal authorities say they’re working to fight gun trafficking that involved thefts from licensed firearms dealers.

The ATF reported the number of guns stolen from dealers in 2016 more than double the number stolen in 2015.