GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Stolen Gun Statistics: Market Report & Data

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Highlights: Stolen Gun Statistics

  • Approximately 1 in 3 stolen firearms in the US are stolen from vehicles.
  • About 380,000 guns are stolen in the U.S. each year.
  • Washington D.C. ranked highest in the number of reported stolen firearms in 2021.
  • Massachusetts had the lowest number of reported stolen firearms in 2021.
  • One in every six firearms recovered in Washington D.C in 2019 was found to be stolen.
  • An estimated 4.6 million firearms have been reported stolen from individuals in the United States between 2012 and 2019.
  • Only 230,000 of stolen firearms are reported to the police annually in the US.
  • Approximately $164 million a year is spent on replacing stolen firearms in the US.
  • It is approximately twice as likely for handguns to be stolen as shotguns or rifles in the US.
  • An estimated 1,982 firearms were reported lost or stolen by federally licensed retailers in Canada in 2020.
  • Around 12% of all stolen firearms in Europe are stolen from private residences.
  • Over 400 firearms thefts are reported to the police in Germany each year.
  • Approximately 2,000 firearms are reported stolen each year in France.
  • In 2020, more than 5,000 firearms were stolen across Italy.
  • In South Africa, between 10% and 15% of all reported firearms thefts are from police inventories.

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In our increasingly security-conscious society, the issue of stolen guns has emerged as a critical area of concern. Delving deep into the statistical data related to stolen firearms provides us with invaluable insights into the patterns and implications of this alarming trend. In this blog post, we will traverse through a range of key stolen gun statistics, opening discussion on their impacts on crime rates, illegal gun markets, officer safety, and public policy. Join us as we dissect these numbers, wrestle with their implications, and potentially even explore some possible solutions.

The Latest Stolen Gun Statistics Unveiled

Approximately 1 in 3 stolen firearms in the US are stolen from vehicles.

Highlighting the statistic that “Approximately 1 in 3 stolen firearms in the US are stolen from vehicles” in a blog post about Stolen Gun Statistics drives home the compelling revelation of how frequently guns are swiped from unguarded vehicles. It accentuates the urgency for gun owners to secure their firearms responsibly. Furthermore, this figure underscores the importance of preventative measures, such as locked storage in vehicles or not leaving firearms in vehicles overnight, and lawmakers might use this as an impetus for new regulations. It becomes an essential data point to discuss, given its implications for both public safety and policy change.

About 380,000 guns are stolen in the U.S. each year.

Highlighting the extent to which gun theft infiltrates American society, the stark figure of around 380,000 stolen guns per annum underscores a pressing concern that escalates the risks associated with illicit use of firearms. Such a significant number not only emphasizes the magnitude of the problem for law enforcement but also draws attention to its potential repercussions: providing the black market with a consistent stream of weapons, fueling violence and crime rates, and posing threats to public safety. Hence, in a blog dedicated to Stolen Gun Statistics, this figure serves as a pivotal reference point elucidating the sheer scale of this clandestine issue that needs urgent attention.

Washington D.C. ranked highest in the number of reported stolen firearms in 2021.

Gleaming the spotlight on the capital, Washington D.C., it becomes strikingly evident that the conversation about stolen gun statistics is not merely academic. D.C.’s crown as the city with the highest number of reported stolen firearms in 2021 punctuates the urgency of this issue, serving as a telltale sign of the magnitude of firearm theft as a national problem. This alarming statistic not only underscores the gravity of gun security in urban areas, but also lays a compelling foundation for our discourse on prevention strategies, legislative reforms and socio-economic implications.

Massachusetts had the lowest number of reported stolen firearms in 2021.

Highlighting Massachusetts as having the lowest number of reported stolen firearms in 2021, serves to underscore the efficacy of its gun control policies, providing a compelling benchmark for other states in the blog post about Stolen Gun Statistics. The evoked contrast to other jurisdictions with higher rates of firearm theft may stimulate discussions around effective strategies and legislation needed to curb such crime. Massachusetts might be seen as a model for the implementation of comprehensive and strict firearm regulations leading to a decrease in weapons easily available for illegal activity, thereby enriching the conversation on gun control and the prevention of firearm theft.

One in every six firearms recovered in Washington D.C in 2019 was found to be stolen.

Highlighting the statistic ‘One in every six firearms recovered in Washington D.C in 2019 was found to be stolen’, underscores the alarming breadth of the stolen gun problem in our society. In a city like Washington D.C, this implies a substantial portion of crime can be tied back to stolen weapons. The figure accentuates the demand for effective strategies to counter firearm theft and illicit distribution, while also emphasizing the need for responsible gun ownership. In a broader sense, it paints a broader picture of how stolen guns contribute to violent crimes and illegal activities, lending a compelling case for focused discussions and policy-making on gun control and ownership laws.

An estimated 4.6 million firearms have been reported stolen from individuals in the United States between 2012 and 2019.

In the discourse of stolen gun statistics, illuminating the magnitude of the issue, the stark figure of an estimated 4.6 million firearms stolen from individuals in the United States between 2012 and 2019 provides a grave insight. Not only does this number underscore the susceptibility of private gun owners to theft, it also points towards the potential for these stolen firearms to fuel illicit activities, exacerbating societal problems like crime rates, violence, and insecurity. This sobering data may therefore act as a catalyst for policy changes, shaping recommendations for enhanced firearm storage regulations, improved enforcement, and deeper investigations into gun theft incidents.

Only 230,000 of stolen firearms are reported to the police annually in the US.

Highlighting the figure of ‘230,000 reported stolen firearms annually in the US’ underscores a significant, yet alarming dimension of ongoing discussion on gun control and thefts. The statistic serves as a grim reminder of the pervasive issue of gun theft, hinting at the staggering number of weapons potentially circulating unlawfully, with potential consequences for public safety. The echo of this number throughout the blog post provides essential context and magnitude, fueling further dialogue on solutions and preventative measures to curb this rampant problem.

Approximately $164 million a year is spent on replacing stolen firearms in the US.

In weaving the narrative of Stolen Gun Statistics, a headline-grabbing figure stands out – the colossal sum of roughly $164 million shelled out annually to supplant stolen firearms in the US. This number unearths an undercurrent of massive economic impact, giving depth to the raw, numerical data at hand. Threading together facets of individual budget strain, law enforcement resources allocation, and the indirect costs to firearm manufacturers, this startling dollar value illustrates a mounting fiscal burden resting heavily on America’s shoulders. The audacious scale of this expenditure throws a spotlight on the urgency of tackling gun theft, sketching a clearer picture of this insidious symptom of a broader societal issue.

It is approximately twice as likely for handguns to be stolen as shotguns or rifles in the US.

In navigating the labyrinth of stolen gun statistics, the fact that handguns are approximately twice as likely to be stolen as shotguns or rifles in the US adds a dramatic layer to our understanding. This statistic amplifies the gravity of the handgun theft issue, accentuating its dominance in the spectrum of firearm thefts. A focus on this disparity not only provides a deeper comprehension of the types of firearms preferred by thieves, but it also highlights potential vulnerabilities in handgun storage and handling practices. Thus, by weaving this data into our narrative, we shed light on an overlooked aspect of firearm theft, sparking a provoking discourse on improving security measures targeting specifically handguns.

An estimated 1,982 firearms were reported lost or stolen by federally licensed retailers in Canada in 2020.

The 2020 figures highlighting a staggering 1,982 firearms reported as lost or stolen by federally licensed retailers in Canada provide an alarming snapshot into the growing public safety concern. This underscores the urgency in strengthening gun containment measures by retailers as these missing weapons could potentially land in the hands of criminals. As we delve deeper into the realm of stolen gun statistics, this number forms a critical point of discussion amplifying the need for stricter regulations, effective law enforcement, and improved accountability measures to counteract the surging tide of gun theft in Canada.

Around 12% of all stolen firearms in Europe are stolen from private residences.

Delving into the statistics of stolen firearms in Europe, it’s essential to highlight the crucial fact that approximately 12% of these are swiped from private residences. This nugget of data provides a revealing insight into the alarming link between home burglaries and the theft of firearms. When tackling gun-related crimes and crafting preventive measures, understanding the avenues used by criminals to acquire these weapons is fundamental. Such data can lead to a call for increased home security and safe gun storage initiatives, potentially curbing the rate of gun thefts and consequently, firearm-related offenses.

Over 400 firearms thefts are reported to the police in Germany each year.

Surveying the German landscape with attention to firearm theft, we shed light upon an intriguing number, over 400 firearms reported stolen annually. This figure plays a pivotal role in a larger narrative about guns stolen globally. Inundating us with vivid understanding, it informs the spectrum of gun control laws enforced, by demonstrating the challenges that enforcement agencies confront. Furthermore, it also underscores potential threats to public safety, implicating guns claimed illegally in subsequent criminal activities. Therefore, this number acts as a crucial pointer, helping tailor dialogues and policies around firearm security and control.

Approximately 2,000 firearms are reported stolen each year in France.

Diving into the realm of stolen gun statistics, the fact that roughly 2,000 firearms are reported stolen each year in France serves as a crucial crux. It not only underlines the severity of firearm theft in this particular country but also brings to light the potential ramifications it may entail. A stolen firearm not only signifies a personal loss for the owner, but it potentially equips an illicit sector with dangerous weapons. This number, although a snapshot from France, can be a springboard for comparisons with other nations, offering rich insights into the global dynamics of firearm theft and the effectiveness of varied national regulations.

In 2020, more than 5,000 firearms were stolen across Italy.

Highlighting the startling figure of over 5,000 firearms stolen across Italy in 2020 serves as a sobering wake-up call about the escalating issue of illegal armament circulation. In the context of a blog post about Stolen Gun Statistics, this number underscores the intensity of gun crimes, shedding light on the unpredictable threats they pose to public safety. It leaves an urge for heightened vigilance in law enforcement and legislative bodies, as well as for potential policy alterations, to curb this pressing issue. The quantifiable measure, reflecting a single country’s status-quo, also implies the possible global scale of the issue, therefore adding an international appeal to the discussion that transcends geographical boundaries.

In South Africa, between 10% and 15% of all reported firearms thefts are from police inventories.

Delving into the depths of stolen gun statistics, a startling revelation emerges from South Africa. A significant proportion, that is between 10% to 15%, of firearm thefts reportedly emerge directly from police inventories—a detail that spins an intricate web of concerns ranging from law enforcement security inadequacies to potential black market circulation. In the pursuit of curbing illegal possession, this phenomenon injects a jarring note; a clear indicator of the complexity and multi-faceted nature of gun theft which extends beyond civilian malpractice to deep-seated systemic issues. This nuance not only enriches the discourse around firearm theft but also underlines the urgency for comprehensive solutions that span individual, societal, and institutional levels.

Conclusion

Our evaluation of stolen gun statistics reveals a pressing concern. Alarmingly high numbers of firearms are stolen each year, many of which end up used in subsequent crimes. These stolen firearms amplify the consequences of gun violence, making it an issue worth comprehensive and immediate attention. Stronger regulations for secure storage, accountability, tracking, and reporting of lost or stolen firearms could significantly help reduce these numbers and their associated crimes.

References

0. – https://www.www.bmi.bund.de

1. – https://www.issafrica.org

2. – https://www.www.rand.org

3. – https://www.www.forbes.com

4. – https://www.www.bjs.gov

5. – https://www.www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

6. – https://www.everytownresearch.org

7. – https://www.www.researchgate.net

FAQs

What percentage of guns used in crimes are stolen?

According to studies, approximately 10-15% of guns used in crimes are reported stolen, with the actual number likely being much higher due to underreporting.

How do most stolen guns end up in the illegal market?

Stolen guns often end up in illegal markets through various channels such as trading, reselling to criminals, or use in illegal activities by the thieves themselves.

How many guns are stolen each year in the United States?

It's estimated that between 300,000 and 600,000 firearms are stolen each year in the United States, according to data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics and various surveys.

Which states have the highest rates of gun theft?

States with looser gun laws like Alabama, South Carolina, and North Carolina tend to have higher rates of gun thefts. However, gun theft is a nationwide issue.

What can gun owners do to reduce the chances of their firearms being stolen?

Gun owners can take several measures to reduce the chances of theft such as using gun safes, never leaving firearms unattended in vehicles, securing firearms at home when not in use, and reporting any lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement immediately.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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