Missouri continues to face challenges related to stolen firearms, with a recent incident in Columbia underscoring the ongoing problem. Over the weekend, police responded to reports of shots fired, leading to the detention of six juveniles. The Columbia Police Department confirmed that one of the guns recovered at the scene was stolen, sparking conversations about firearm safety and theft prevention in the state.
Details of the Incident
Out of the six juveniles initially detained, two were released without charges. However, four of them faced various allegations:
One juvenile was accused of four counts of first-degree assault, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, and drug distribution.
Another was charged with illegal gun possession and trespassing.
A third faced accusations of illegal gun possession.
The fourth was charged with juvenile delinquency.
This event comes shortly after another case in Jefferson City, where six individuals were arrested for armed robbery involving three stolen guns. It highlights a recurring issue in Missouri: firearms stolen from private citizens and used in crimes.
Statistics on Stolen Guns in Missouri
Missouri has consistently ranked among the states with high numbers of stolen firearms. From 2017 to 2021, the state had the ninth-highest number of reported stolen guns, according to the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Key findings include:
96% of stolen firearms were owned by private citizens.
Of the 29,000 guns stolen from private citizens during this period, only 39% were recovered.
A separate study by the Statista Research Department revealed that in 2022, Missouri reported 365 lost or stolen firearms, ranking 13th nationwide. These numbers point to an ongoing challenge for law enforcement and the community alike.
The Challenges of Tracking Stolen Guns
Experts believe a national firearm registry could help track stolen guns more effectively. Seth Fallik, Chair and Associate Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, explained that such a system would allow law enforcement to trace gun serial numbers, much like how vehicles are registered and tracked.
“The weapons are so mass-produced in the United States that tracking them without a registry is incredibly difficult,” Fallik said. He added that stolen guns often end up being sold or “fenced” at pawn shops, making recovery even harder.
Pawn shop employees, however, face their own challenges. One Columbia shop worker, speaking anonymously, said all guns bought or sold are logged into a system accessible to law enforcement. Still, pawn shops themselves lack access to critical information, making it difficult to identify whether a gun is stolen.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Gun Theft
Former Boone County detective Tom O’Sullivan pointed out that many stolen firearms are taken from unlocked vehicles.
“Most of the time, it’s because the car was left unlocked. Losing a laptop or some spare change is bad enough, but a stolen gun is far worse—it will likely be used in a crime,” O’Sullivan warned.
In 2023, a Columbia man admitted to stealing a firearm from a Missouri State Highway Patrol vehicle and was sentenced to probation. Incidents like these highlight the importance of responsible gun ownership and storage.
The Issue of Straw Purchases
Another significant challenge is “straw purchasing,” where someone legally buys a gun and then sells it to someone prohibited from owning firearms. These transactions are often reported as thefts to shield the original buyer from liability.
“Straw purchases are hard to track because the buyers often don’t have criminal records, which allows them to purchase weapons legally,” Fallik explained. However, law enforcement monitors individuals who make unusually high numbers of firearm purchases within a short time frame.
Impact of Looser Gun Laws
Missouri’s relaxed gun laws have also made it harder for law enforcement to control the flow of firearms. O’Sullivan noted that in the past, gun owners were required to keep ammunition and firearms stored separately in their vehicles.
“Now, everyone is driving around with a gun in their car,” he said, adding that these changes have contributed to the rise in gun-related crimes.
Looking Ahead
The Columbia Police Department stated in 2023 that stolen guns are frequently linked to violent crimes. As the problem persists, experts and law enforcement alike emphasize the need for stricter regulations and increased public awareness about responsible gun ownership.
Residents are urged to report suspicious activities and take precautions to secure their firearms properly. Authorities believe that addressing these issues collectively can help reduce the prevalence of stolen firearms in Missouri.
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