New ATF Data confirms that the firearm industry’s Operation Secure Store(r), which reduces crime and robberies, makes communities safer. It takes a lot of effort to keep firearms out of the hands criminals. Partnerships between local gun store retailers, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Department of Justice are crucial and multifaceted endeavors.
Operation Secure Store
Operation Secure Store(r), a pillar partnership between ATF and DOJ, is the firearm industry’s Operation Secure Store(r). It provides brick-and mortar firearm retailers with educational resources to help them better secure their inventory, and reduce robberies.
ATF has released new data that confirms that OSS makes communities safer. The number of FFL robberies/burglaries and the number stolen firearms is lower than last year. This is fantastic news and data continues to show a downward trend from 2017.
First Line of Defense
“Retailers are our first line of defense against criminals, and would-be criminals,” stated Joe Bartozzi, President and CEO of NSSF, in testimony before the Connecticut State Legislature’s Joint Judiciary Committee.
It was also stated by him to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee members last year. By using OSS resources and industry tools to improve their inventory security, local firearm retailers are protecting their communities from criminal behavior that could threaten their communities. That is not what anyone wants.
The ATF report covers 2017-2022 and shows that Federal Firearm Licensees are taking steps to stop would-be criminals. With the exception of 2020, the number of FFL burglaries has decreased each year.
In 2017, 577 FFL burglaries were reported. In 2017, there were 577 FFL burglaries. This number dropped to 427 in 2018, and to 343 again in 2019. ATF also stated to NSSF that if the months May and the immediate aftermath from the George Floyd incident in 2020 were excluded from the statistics, it would show a decrease over 2019.
Last year, which is the most recent year for data, there was only 277 FFL burglaries. The high mark of 36 FFL robberies in 2018 has fallen each year. This includes 2020, which is now 21 in 2021.
Stolen Firearms are decreasing
The number of firearms that were stolen over the reporting period is where the data really shines. FFL businesses, in particular, don’t want legal-to-own firearms being illegally stolen. They could even end up in the hands someone who shouldn’t have them. And then, finally, used in a crime or violent action.
ATF data for 2017 shows that 7,841 firearms were stolen in FFL burglaries. This number fell by 2,200 in the year following (the first year for OSS). It fell further to 4,490 in 2019, and even further last year.
There were only 2,936 firearms that were stolen in an FFL burglary in 2021. This is a reduction of approximately 65 percent in firearms stolen by FFLs over five years.
Layers of Security
It’s more than locking the doors and shelves to ensure firearm inventory is safe. ATF, DOJ and firearm retailers collaborate with the OSS program to focus on five key areas: “Education and Awareness”, “Assessment and Risk Analysis,” Planning and Strategy,” Engagement,” and “Response.”
This comprehensive multipronged approach is crucial to firearm inventory.
A stolen firearm is just one of many. This is why the firearm industry works with ATF and retailers to prevent thefts and burglaries. It also offers matching reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of those responsible for theft.
Rewards can be a great way to encourage cooperation in the community and encourage anyone with information to help authorities bring criminals before they are brought to justice. This communication is crucial in alerting other firearm dealers in the area to crimes. This allows them be alert and on the lookout.
The ATF has a 100% response rate to burglaries or robberies of firearm retailers. The ATF then draws on the combined expertise of special agents and industry operation investigators to capture those responsible and recover stolen firearms.
Real Solutions. Safer Communities.
Operation Secure Store is just one of the many NSSF Real Solutions. Safer Communities initiatives.
Don’t lie for the Other Guy assists ATF in educating retailers about the warning signs of illegal straw purchase. Project ChildSafe(r), which has partnered more than 15,000 law enforcement agencies from all 50 states and five U.S. Territories, distributed more than 40,000,000 firearm safety kits that include an locking device.
FixNICS(r), an ongoing effort to provide resources to encourage states and federal agencies, to submit disqualifying documents to the FBI NICS system. This will ensure that people who are not allowed to own firearms cannot purchase one from a retailer.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is also a partner of the NSSF. It provides tools for firearm retailers and ranges to have a courageous conversation before a tragedy occurs and prevent suicide.
This important work, which includes Operation Secure Store remains crucial to the gun-owning community. The ATF data are positive. Communities are safe because of the hard work.
Story originally posted to NSSF.org
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Personal Defense World’s first article, ATF Data Demonstrates Positive Effect of Operation Secure Store, appeared first on Personal Defense World.
