Gun theft from vehicles has increased nationwide, but it’s decreasing in Rapid City

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - According to a report from the Associated Press, the rate of firearms being stolen from vehicles has tripled in the United States over the past decade. However, Rapid City Police Department Public Information Officer Brendyn Medina says he has observed the opposite trend locally.

” We’re down 65 percent from the numbers we were seeing in 2023 and down 87 percent from the numbers we were seeing in 2022,” Medina said.

Medina said these gun thefts are often a crime of opportunity.

” Folks will just go down rows of cars, or parking lots, and check for unlocked door handles,” Medina continued. “And then, if they find one, they can go in, rummage through that vehicle, find any items of value, and be on their way looking for their next target in a matter of seconds.”

When guns are stolen, they are sometimes used to commit violent crimes. In 2016, 25 guns were stolen from a store in Rapid City. Some of those firearms were only recovered after two shootings in the Denver area.

Medina advised gun owners to refrain from storing guns in their cars. He also mentioned it is best practice for anyone to lock their cars when they are parked, especially at night.

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