RENTON, Wash. — The Renton Police Department (RPD) is sounding the alarm about what it calls a "disturbing trend" of gun thefts in the city.
In a release Monday, RPD said 86% of the stolen guns were taken out of vehicles.
“Gun owners need to be responsible and not leave unsecured weapons in their vehicles or anywhere else. They need to be secured,” said Chief Jon Schuldt in the release. “This behavior is dangerous and puts the community at risk.”
RPD said 49 were unsecured and taken from cars, 39 were taken during car prowls and 10 were taken in car thefts or attempted thefts.
The release goes on to say that gun safes for vehicles are available, but can be "defeated" by determined thieves.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) crime data shows that Renton's property crime rate is well above the state average over the past five years. In December 2023, for example, the Renton property crime rate per 100,000 people was 338.71, while the Washington state rate was 244.02.
