A new study in partnership with SAPD reveals the places and people thieves are targeting. Many of those stolen guns are used in violent crimes.
SAN ANTONIO — A new study shows an alarming number of guns stolen from vehicles across San Antonio, with an average of seven firearms reported stolen every day last year.
According to newly released data from the San Antonio Police Department in study by UTHealth Houston, nearly 2,500 guns were taken from vehicles in 2024. Researchers say the vast majority of those stolen weapons were handguns, which are easier for thieves to conceal and quickly resell.
Alexander Testa, a professor with UTHealth Houston of Public Health in San Antonio, has studied firearm thefts in the city for the last three years. He says the numbers highlight how quickly stolen guns can move into illegal markets.
“Seven guns a day stolen from vehicles in the city,” Testa said. “Even over the last five years, that’s probably well over 10,000 firearms stolen from lawful gun owners and transferred to illegal markets where they could be used for violent crimes.”
The study found that the most common location for gun thefts was hotels, which accounted for about 25 percent of incidents. Shopping centers and retail areas made up another 19 percent, including high-traffic areas such as The Rim, The Shops at La Cantera, North Star Mall, Park North and Westover Marketplace.
Residential neighborhoods accounted for about 16 percent of reported thefts. Alamo Ranch was considered a hot spot. Testa pointed out even with surveillance cameras outside homes, thieves are still determined.
“You can get in and out of a car extremely quickly in a private residential area,” Testa said. “And you can easily conceal your face with a hood or mask.”
The study found most firearm thefts were happening on the weekends and thieves are profiling drivers they believe are more likely to carry firearms. That includes vehicles with military or gun-rights decals and certain vehicle types.
About 70 percent of the reported thefts involved pickup trucks, especially Ford F-150s, followed by Chevrolet Silverados and Dodge Rams.
“If you’re a firearm owner with a pickup truck and you’re parking in these hot-spot areas, you may be a target,” Testa said.
SAPD continues efforts to investigate thefts, but Testa says prevention remains the most effective strategy. He urges gun owners not to leave firearms inside vehicles.
“The best way to keep these thefts down is to not leave firearms in your vehicle,” he said.
Testa recommends installing a vehicle safe if carrying a gun is necessary, noting that thieves often have only seconds to break into a car and take a weapon.