Two Dead After Related West Valley Shootings, Including One Involving Phoenix Police

Mesa Police Department Stresses Firearm Safety Amid Rise in Thefts

Officers Urge Public to Take Precautions to Prevent Gun Theft and Misuse

In response to a concerning rise in firearm thefts, the Mesa Police Department is calling on residents to take extra precautions to secure their firearms. Officer Waits and Officer Gunnel, both firearms instructors with the Mesa Police Department, recently addressed this issue in a video released by the department.

“Recently, we’ve noticed there’s been a trend or an uptick in the trend of firearms being stolen and later used in other crimes, often from vehicles that are not secured properly,” Officer Waits explained. The officers emphasized the importance of not leaving firearms in vehicles, as even locked cars offer minimal protection. “Remember, even if it is locked and secured, the only thing between a thief and your firearm is a pane of glass,” Officer Gunnel added.

To combat this issue, the officers provided several key tips for firearm safety. “There are multiple ways to keep your firearm safe in your home,” Officer Waits said. “Safes, lock boxes, and cable locks are among them.” Demonstrating the use of a cable lock, Officer Gunnel explained, “Cable locks can be threaded through the magazine of an unloaded handgun and out through the top to prevent it from loading or being fired.”


The Mesa Police Department’s top three tips for firearm safety are:

  1. Always remove your weapon from your vehicles.
  2. Secure them safely.
  3. Prevent theft.

The officers underscored the critical message: “Safe guns save lives.” They urged residents to adopt these practices to ensure their firearms do not end up in the wrong hands.

For more information on gun safety and regulations, the department encourages the public to visit their resources and follow the hashtag #TheMesaWay on Facebook.

By taking these steps, the Mesa Police Department hopes to reduce the number of firearm thefts and subsequent crimes, promoting a safer community for all.