Chief Markle, in collaboration with the Auto Theft Task Force, is urging gun owners to take swift action to ensure firearms don’t fall into the wrong hands. “Just last week, we saw 13 guns stolen from vehicles across the city,” Markle reported. “That’s 13 more opportunities for firearms to be misused, whether by juveniles or criminals.”
The Auto Theft Task Force is urging gun owners to take extra precautions in securing their weapons, stressing that complacency can turn any vehicle into an unintended weapon source.
Lock It Up: The Message from Law Enforcement
Lt. Brian Hagar of the Auto Theft Task Force echoed Markle’s concerns, emphasizing the importance of locking up firearms. “If you like it, lock it,” Hagar said, underscoring that thieves target places where they know valuables, particularly firearms, are accessible. “Where do shoppers go? They go to the mall. Where do thieves go? They go to spots where they can grab things quickly—like guns left in cars,” he explained.
Hagar further noted that visible guns, often left in plain sight within vehicles, are particularly vulnerable. “Some of these firearms are easily visible through car windows, with the handle sticking up. It’s a temptation for those looking to snatch a weapon,” he added. Law enforcement is urging gun owners to avoid leaving firearms in vehicles altogether. However, those who do recommend using aftermarket safes or in-car vaults, which can be secured under the seat, providing a more reliable deterrent than leaving a gun in a glove compartment or exposed in the vehicle.
Understanding Age Restrictions and Legal Ownership
Chief Markle also addressed widespread misconceptions regarding age requirements for gun ownership. “Many believe that at 18, they’re eligible to own any firearm. In reality, it’s 21 for a handgun,” he clarified. “At 18, you can own a rifle or a long gun, but handguns require that extra level of maturity.”
The recent incidents involving underage individuals with firearms highlight the critical need for awareness around gun laws and safe storage. Educating the public about legal age limits and emphasizing responsible ownership can help prevent further tragedies.
A Call to Action: Keeping Track of Firearms
Alongside locking up weapons, the Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) encourages owners to document their firearms’ serial numbers. This step can aid significantly in the recovery process if a gun is lost or stolen. “It’s a small but effective measure that makes tracking a firearm easier in unfortunate situations,” Markle advised.
As Corpus Christi reels from the tragic events of the past weekend, the CCPD’s message is clear: gun owners play a vital role in community safety. Through secure storage and adherence to legal guidelines, gun owners can help curb access to firearms by individuals who should not have them, protecting both the community and their rights as responsible owners.