Melissa Prax
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LEARN MOREPosted: 4:38 p.m. EST Mar 6, 2017
In most states, gun stores don't have to beef up security — like locking up guns — after hours.
But since the government started keeping track in 2012, gun store break-ins have been increasing. In 2016, break-ins were at an all time high.
In 2012 there were 4,340 guns stolen during burglaries. In 2016, there were 7,488 — up 30 percent from 2015.
That's a big deal because the stolen guns are likely getting into the wrong hands — either the hands of the person breaking in, or to a buyer who legally shouldn't be able to get a gun.
Several of the states that require gun stores to take extra security measures had far fewer burglaries in 2015.
Despite some cities experiencing increased crime rates, there's not really a rush to do anything about this issue at the federal level.
And there's not really a push by gun store advocates, either.
Should gun-store owners be required to add security? Do you think that mandate would make people safer? Let us know.
