By Dave Workman
Editor-in-Chief
Savannah, Georgia Mayor Van Johnson thinks he has a good idea to prevent gun thefts from cars, by penalizing the crime victims.
Gun theft from unlocked cars is a problem in Savannah, according to WCJL News. According to Johnson, last year 244 firearms were stolen, of which 203 were taken from unlocked vehicles. So far this year, 69 guns have been stolen, and 56 of those were also from unlocked cars.
But according to Savannah Now, under Johnson’s proposal, people whose guns are stolen from unlocked cars could face fines up to $1,000 and even some jail time.
WTOC News is reporting that the proposed ordinance will require gun owners to report thefts within 24 hours to Savannah police. The ordinance will also require that guns be locked in a container or compartment when people are away from their vehicles.
It is not clear what times of the day or night these thefts are occurring. Likewise, what about locked vehicles that are broken into, inside of which firearms are stored out of sight? A locked vehicle is essentially a great big locked box.
This is not the first time Johnson has floated the idea. He also wanted to get tough on gun owners last September, at which time gun owners were also unhappy, according to WSAV News. Even back then, Johnson portrayed his proposal as a “way to curtail gun violence.”
There is no indication the mayor wants to come down hard on the people stealing those firearms, or the criminals committing violent crime with guns.
Back in September, WSAV quoted one activist stating, “I think you’re just making criminals out of law-abiding citizens.” It is an accusation which has cropped up all over the country whenever proposals are put forth to penalize gun owners for having their property stolen.
In remarks to WJCL, Mayor Johnson indicated his office has been hearing from perturbed gun owners. His reaction, according to the station, “In the time you take to call my office and complain, you can lock your gun up.”
His proposal is supposed to be presented to the council next week.
There are several types of lock boxes available for use in vehicles, including a series of gun safes designed to fit into the console of a car or truck, completely out of sight.
