Nashville, TN – The Nashville Police Department is urging residents to take immediate steps to protect their vehicles and firearms amid a troubling rise in thefts. So far this year, 873 firearms have been stolen from vehicles in the city, with 73% of all guns reported stolen in Davidson County taken from cars. In just the past week alone, 16 guns were taken from vehicles, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
As part of ongoing efforts to combat vehicle thefts and related crimes, the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) launched a special initiative on February 1. This initiative, aimed at addressing the alarming spike in auto thefts and firearm thefts, has already yielded significant results. Since its inception, the program has led to 994 arrests, the recovery of 531 stolen vehicles, and the recovery of 221 stolen firearms.
Authorities have emphasized the connection between stolen guns and stolen vehicles. Both are frequently involved in criminal activities such as carjackings and robberies. As police work to reduce these crimes, they are urging residents to take simple but effective precautions to protect their property.
“Lock your car doors, remove any valuables—especially firearms—and make sure your keys are not left inside,” said an MNPD spokesperson. “These basic steps can go a long way in preventing thefts and ensuring that stolen vehicles and guns are not used in other criminal acts.”
The police department’s efforts have been part of a broader push to address rising crime rates across the city, with a particular focus on reducing the number of guns and cars involved in illegal activities. With the holiday season approaching, officials are reminding the public that criminals are often more active during this time, making it even more important to be vigilant about securing personal property.
Nashville residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the police and to continue taking precautions to help curb the rise in vehicle and gun thefts.