The Wichita Police Department is working to spread the word on how may guns are being stolen from cars.

Lt. Scott Brunow says the city has seen 1,600 thefts from cars this year, which has led to 58 guns being stolen. All of 2018 saw about 6,000 thefts from cars and 271 stolen guns. This year’s numbers so far are slightly lower than last year. Brunow says most of these thefts involve unlocked cars or windows being broken out. Putting any valuables out of sight can make your car less of a target.

Police suggest using a locking car gun safe to keep your guns secure if your car is broken into. Stolen guns have been used in crimes in the Wichita area, including the shooting of Deputy Kunze. A stolen gun was also used in a robbery at the home of a Wichita police officer. The officer was shot but survived. The suspects in both cases were killed.

“These criminals that are breaking into theses cars are not stealing these guns for lawful reasons,” says Lt. Brunow. “They’re going to use it for other criminal activity.

Lt. Brunow has launched a Twitter account, @AutoTheftWPD, to put out information on car and gun thefts to let the community where and when thefts are happening.

Kansas law allows concealed handguns to be carried into most buildings, except schools and federal buildings. Municipal buildings, like Wichita City Hall, can prohibit concealed carry as long as metal detectors and armed security are in place. The Sedgwick County Courthouse prohibits concealed carry, but provides lockers so you don’t have to leave a gun in your car to enter the building.

Private businesses may post signs indicating concealed carry is not allowed, but there is no criminal penalty for carrying into such locations. You may be asked to leave though and you’ll face trespassing charges if you refuse.

The latest concealed carry laws for Kansas can be found here. Kansas Personal and Family Protection Act-2018