More than 100 guns stolen in Leon County this year

• The Leon County Sheriff is working to increase awareness with the new Snap Safes as part of the campaign.
• Since January 2024, 102 firearms have been stolen in Leon County, according to the Leon County Sheriff's Office.
• Watch the video above to hear from community members and the Leon County Sheriff's Office about the new campaign initiative.

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT

“Keeping your guns and belongings safe in your car is an individual thing that you have to work on.”

Dedrick Steward is a hairstylist in southwest Tallahassee and has lived in the neighborhood for more than 15 years.

Steward says he's heard of car break-ins, not just on the South Side, but throughout the city.

I asked him what he thought of the Secure Guns Saves Lives campaign organized by the Leon County Sheriff's Office.

“We should be talking to the right people who need to hear that this is even a campaign.”

On Wednesday afternoon, the Leon County Sheriff's Office held a press conference at its headquarters to discuss its investigation into drug trafficking, but also the gun campaign.

This campaign aims to educate neighbors about the need to lock their guns when stored in vehicles.

Since January 2024, 102 firearms have been stolen in Leon County, according to the Leon County Sheriff's Office.

Numbers like these make community members like Steward think more should be done.

“There are a lot of different things that can be done to bring hope and bring change to the Southside.”

The Leon County Sheriff is working to increase awareness with the new Snap Safes as part of the campaign.

“Obviously, getting your gun out of your vehicle is the first and most important priority, but if you want to keep your gun in the car, you need to secure it.”

Undersheriff Ron Cave says the Snap Safe keeps guns secure no matter where they are kept.

For now, people like Steward who live in the community say they'll wait to see if the idea works.

“I love the Southside; I wouldn't want to live anywhere else; sometimes it'll take a vocal group.”

More is being done, which community members like Steward would appreciate. The Leon County Sheriff's Office will provide 100 of these safes to the community free of charge. You can pick them up at the Leon County Operations Center.