Storage of firearms in vehicles: findings from a sample of firearm owners in nine U.S. states

Abstract

Abstract Background In recent years, there has been a growing number of thefts of firearms stored in vehicles. Despite this trend, there is limited research on firearm storage patterns in vehicles in the United States. This study investigates these storage patterns and evaluates the relationship between the surge in firearm purchases after March 2020 and the practice of storing firearms in vehicles. Methods Firearm storage practices were classified into four categories: (a) no vehicle storage, (b) locked vehicle storage only, (c) unlocked vehicle storage only, and (d) both locked and unlocked vehicle storage. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the association between vehicle firearm storage practices and the main independent variable (firearm purchases since March 2020), adjusting for covariates. Results Those who purchased a firearm since March 2020 were significantly more likely to store at least one firearm in a vehicle unlocked only (RRR = 2.41, 95% CI 1.45–3.99) or both locked and unlocked (RRR = 2.57, 95% CI .180–3.67) compared to the reference category of no vehicle storage. Conclusion Individuals who purchased a firearm after March 2020 were more likely to report storing a firearm in a vehicle. Given the limited research on patterns of firearm storage in vehicles, these findings provide novel evidence suggesting that firearm purchases following the March 2020 firearm purchasing surge may have fomented behaviors that increased the likelihood of firearm storage in automobiles. Moving forward, there is a need for additional quantitative and qualitative research that can better understand patterns and motivations of firearm storage in vehicles.

Keywords

• Firearms
• Firearm storage
• Vehicles
• Firearm theft
• Firearm purchasing