The New Measures can Help Save Lives by Preventing Gun Thefts and Gun Trafficking
Research has Found That Stolen Guns Pose a Tremendous Risk to Public Safety
BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md.— The Maryland chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today applauded the Baltimore County Council for passing the Secure All Firearms Effectively (SAFE) Act.
“Stolen guns are responsible for so much carnage in our city, and they often leave more questions than answers in the wake of shootings,” said Joshua Turner, a volunteer with Students Demand Action Baltimore. “This new requirement is a positive step towards lowering the number of stolen guns in Baltimore county and hopefully, the lives cut short as a consequence.”
“We’re thrilled to see this common-sense approach to keeping guns from those who shouldn’t have them,” said Ruthie Gumnitzky, a volunteer with the Maryland chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “Enacting measures to prevent gun theft has been proven to save lives, and we’re thankful our local officials are taking action.”
Six states and D.C.currently have laws in place imposing requirements, similar to the ones in the SAFE Act, to ensure that gun dealers’ inventories are secure. The new licensing requirement for gun dealers will require firearm retail establishments to install appropriate security measures, including specific physical measures, video surveillance, and a monitored alarm system, to protect their inventory from theft. Research shows that strong gun-dealer regulations are associated with decreased gun trafficking.