Cross Plains Gun Store Burglary Leads to Introduction of Gun Store Anti-Theft Legislation

MADISON – Today, Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) introduced LRB-3860 which would require retail businesses that sell firearms to lock all firearms in a secured safe or steel gun cabinet or on a secured rod or cable when the business is unattended. The legislation comes on the heels of a gun shop burglary last week during which a criminal drove a stolen car through a front window of a Cross Plains gun shop and got away with several firearms. The firearms were not secured inside the store, making it possible for the criminal to simply grab them and get out quickly. The Cross Plains break-in was similar to an April incident during which a Janesville gun shop was robbed of 18 guns and 2 silencers by an individual who smashed a glass door to gain entry. The man responsible has been convicted, but the firearms have not been recovered.

“I was shocked by the ease with which these criminals were able to steal multiple unsecured firearms. As a result, these guns are now out on the streets posing a danger to the community,” said Rep. Subeck. “The legislation I am introducing today will make it harder for criminals to get their hands dangerous weapons by ensuring they are stored safely and securely after hours where they are sold.”

The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) recently released their Summary of Firearms Reported Lost or Stolen from Federally Firearm Licensees for 2016. 18,394 firearms were reported lost or stolen from federally licensed dealers last year, averaging 50 guns per day. Of those, 9,281 were reported stolen, including 7,488 classified as burglaries described by ATF as “the unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or theft.”

LRB-3860 would require that a retail business that sells firearms must lock all firearms in a secured safe or steel gun cabinet or on a secured rod or cable when the business is unattended. These measures would prevent criminals who break into a gun shop from simply walking off without impediment with as many handguns and rifles they can carry.

“This common sense security measure will help keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Subeck. “With gun violence on the rise and mass shootings becoming all too commonplace, this is a simple measure to keep firearms off our streets and out of the hands of those intent to do harm.”

A copy of the bill is attached.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.