WPD promotes gun security to prevent theft

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington Police Department (WPD) is intensifying efforts to address gun violence by encouraging local residents to take proactive measures to secure their firearms. Lieutenant Greg Willett spoke on the importance of keeping guns out of the wrong hands, particularly with the increase in crimes committed using stolen weapons.

Willett urged gun owners to secure their firearms, whether in their homes or vehicles. He recommends using a gun safe that only the owner can access, ensuring that firearms are not left exposed to theft. If leaving a firearm in a vehicle is necessary, Willett emphasized that the gun should not be visible and the vehicle should be securely locked.

Lieutenant Willett shared a critical perspective on preventing gun thefts: “Whether it’s a child or whether it’s a bad guy or girl looking to steal your stuff, it’s about preventing that from happening. It’s about target hardening, making it more of a challenge for that person to steal your item, so, for lack of a better term, they move on to someone else.”

In addition to these safety tips, the WPD has formed a dedicated Gun Task Force to help educate the community on proper firearm security and reduce the likelihood of guns being used in crimes.