Public awareness campaign to provide free gun locks to the public

RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Public Safety (NCDPS) is hosting the second annual NC S.A.F.E. (Secure All Firearms Effectively) Week of Action this week, June 2–8.

This call to action — along with the proclamation issued by Gov. Roy Cooper — highlights the importance of safe gun storage in response to an increased number of gun thefts from vehicles and the alarming rate of firearm-related deaths and injuries of minors in North Carolina.

Through the NC S.A.F.E. initiative, NCDPS demonstrates its commitment to improving the lives of all North Carolinians. This week, and every week, we’re highlighting the crucial message: One simple step can make a lifesaving difference — lock up your firearms. Throughout the Week of Action, we’ll be joined by partner organizations across the state, which will host events to highlight the importance of safe gun storage and hand out free gun locks to the public.

“Our top priority is to keep our children and communities safe,” said William Lassiter, deputy secretary of the N.C. Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. “We are encouraging all North Carolinians to secure their firearms to protect themselves from theft and ultimately save lives in their communities.”

The following statistics highlight the need for safe gun storage:

• According to FBI data, the rate of gun theft from vehicles is three times as high as it was 10 years ago.

• North Carolina has 10 of the top 100 U.S. cities for reports of gun thefts from vehicles. In 2022, more than 2,500 guns were stolen from vehicles throughout North Carolina.

• Firearms are the leading cause of injury-related death among North Carolina youth.

Gun owners in North Carolina have the power to change these statistics and prevent future tragedies.