Nashville, TN, September 17, 2025
News Summary
Nashville is facing a concerning rise in firearm thefts from vehicles, with over 700 guns reported stolen this year. The majority of these thefts stem from unlocked vehicles, highlighting significant safety and security issues within the community. The local police department urges residents to adopt better gun storage practices and take precautions to safeguard their belongings. Collaborative efforts are underway to enhance awareness and mitigate this alarming trend of vehicle-related firearm thefts.
Nashville, Tennessee has experienced a significant surge in firearm thefts from vehicles, prompting urgent discussions about gun safety within the city. According to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), a staggering 705 guns have been reported stolen in Davidson County as of July 19, 2025, which translates to an average of more than three firearms stolen each day. Alarmingly, 74% of these stolen guns—totaling 525—were taken from vehicles, showcasing a concerning trend within the community.
The current year has seen a near 60% increase in firearm thefts from vehicles, compared to the previous year. In 2024, the number of stolen guns from vehicles stood at 445. This marked rise in thefts raises red flags, especially given that the majority of those whose firearms were stolen left their vehicles unlocked, making it easier for thieves to access weapons.
In total, stolen firearms from vehicles account for the highest percentage of gun thefts in Nashville. By contrast, only 160 guns were reported stolen from buildings, and merely 20 from individual owners. This data highlights the vulnerability posed by unsecured firearms in vehicles, which poses risks not only to the individuals involved but also to the wider community.
Stolen Guns: A Community Concern
Research indicates that stolen guns are nearly nine times more likely to be used in criminal activities compared to firearms owned legally. The MNPD has set up a new interactive dashboard to categorize incidents of stolen firearms by location type, revealing that the Hermitage and Midtown Hills precincts have recorded the highest numbers of thefts. This dashboard not only serves as a reporting tool but also as an educational resource that encourages residents to safeguard their belongings effectively.
The MNPD is also advocating for responsible gun ownership and storage practices, recommending that firearms be secured in lock boxes when not in use. This is in light of Tennessee’s lack of a requirement for gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms, which has led to underreporting of firearm thefts throughout the state.
Addressing the Increase in Gun Theft
In response to this alarming trend, local law enforcement agencies are urging residents to take proactive measures by removing valuables from their vehicles and ensuring that doors are locked at all times. Collaborative efforts between the MNPD and organizations like Voices for a Safer Tennessee aim to promote resources and strategies focused on gun safety and secure firearm storage. These community efforts are essential in curbing the growing tide of firearm thefts from vehicles.
While Nashville reported its lowest number of stolen guns from vehicles in five years in 2024, the current trajectory indicates a worrying reversal. In comparison, other regions, such as Minnesota, have initiated programs like “Operation 72,” which focuses on high-theft areas, resulting in more than 1,136 arrests and the recovery of numerous stolen items, including firearms, since its launch.
As Nashville battles this increase in firearm thefts, it remains of utmost importance for residents to prioritize gun safety and ensure their vehicles are secure to help protect their belongings and reduce the risk of firearms falling into the wrong hands.
FAQ Section
- What is the current rate of firearm thefts from vehicles in Nashville?
- As of July 19, 2025, an average of more than three firearms are stolen daily, with 705 reported so far this year.
- What percentage of these firearm thefts are from vehicles?
- Seventy-four percent (74%) of the stolen firearms, totaling 525 guns, were taken from vehicles.
- How does firearm theft from vehicles compare to other types of theft?
- In Nashville, only 160 guns were stolen from buildings and 20 from individual owners, indicating that vehicle theft is a significant issue.
- What measures can residents take to prevent firearm theft?
- Residents are advised to lock their vehicles, remove valuables, and secure firearms in lock boxes when not in use.
- Is there a requirement to report stolen firearms in Tennessee?
- No, Tennessee does not require gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms, which contributes to underreporting of thefts.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Nashville Man Sentenced for Multiple Carjackings
Woman Found Dead on Knight Valley Drive in Nashville
Metro Nashville Police Update Most Wanted List
Increase in Firearm Thefts from Vehicles in Nashville
Auto Theft Rates Stabilize in Nashville Despite Recent Surge
Mt. Juliet Police Make Significant Arrests During Traffic Stop
Nashville Police Apprehend Trio After Stolen Jeep Chase
Mt. Juliet Police Leverage License Plate Reader Technology to Combat Crime
East Nashville Residents Alarmed by Vehicle Break-Ins Surge
East Nashville Residents Unite Against Rising Car Break-Ins
Additional Resources
- Nashville Banner: Gun Theft Statistics
- News Channel 5: Firearm Theft Dashboard
- WSMV: GPS Tracker in Gun Theft Case
- Tennessean: Increase in Gun Thefts
- Hoodline: Surge in Firearm Theft from Vehicles
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
- Google Search: Firearm Theft Statistics Nashville
- Google Scholar: Gun Theft Prevention Strategies
- Google News: Gun Theft Nashville
Author: HERE Nashville
The NASHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENashville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Nashville, Davidson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as CMA Fest, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and Nashville Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Health Care Council, plus leading businesses in healthcare, automotive, and technology that power the local economy such as HCA Healthcare, Bridgestone Americas, and Asurion. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HEREMemphis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
