Montana Officials Warn Drivers: Get This Out Of Your Vehicle ASAP!

Look, I'm all about having the right to bear arms as our constitution empowers us to. When a situation arises and you're waiting for law enforcement, there could be a moment where you have to protect yourself before they show up.

With that in mind, law enforcement is also reminding people about what not to do with your firearm.

Cascade County Officials: Take It Out Of Your Vehicle ASAP!

In a press release we recently received, Cascade County Attorney Josh Racki, Great Falls Police Chief Jeff Newton, and Sheriff Jesse Slaughter are calling on residents to be more careful with their firearms in vehicles.

"In recent months, law enforcement has seen a sharp increase in firearm thefts from vehicles - and many of those stolen guns are later being found in the hands of juveniles," said County Attorney Josh Racki said in the press release.

"This is preventable. We’re asking for the public’s help to stop these thefts before they turn into tragedies."

A Simple Preventative Measure Makes All The Difference

Officials are saying these incidents are being caused by gun owners leaving their firearms in their unlocked vehicles.

"The vast majority of the guns we recover from young offenders have been stolen from vehicles that weren’t locked," Racki said.

"The law allows adults to carry firearms in their vehicles - and we support that right. But we’re asking folks to take one more step: always lock your car and remove your firearm when you park for the night."

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Officials are reporting that juveniles are taking part in the trend of "car hopping", where they walk through neighborhoods and parking lots to quickly see who's left their door open. One can only imagine the excitement a juvenile offender gets when stumbling across a firearm in an unlocked vehicle, especially if it's loaded.

Lock your doors and find a better way to way to store your guns!