Police in Las Cruces are urging gun owners to stop leaving firearms inside vehicles, following a rise in thefts from cars. According to the Las Cruces Police Department, nearly 75 percent of firearms stolen in the city since January 2022 were taken during automobile burglaries. Of the 578 guns reported stolen between January 1, 2022, and September 24, 2025, a total of 429 were removed from vehicles.
By comparison, police said that only 143 guns were stolen during residential burglaries over the same period. The department noted that this increase in firearm thefts from vehicles is part of a national trend.
Yearly statistics show that in 2022 there were 117 guns reported stolen in Las Cruces, with 90 taken from vehicles. In 2023, out of 201 stolen guns, 150 came from vehicles. For the year 2024, there were 157 gun thefts with 121 involving vehicles. Through September 24 of this year, police recorded that out of the reported total of stolen firearms (103), sixty-eight had been taken from vehicles.
To help prevent these thefts, the Las Cruces Police Department advises residents to remove all firearms and related accessories when leaving their vehicle unattended; keep windows rolled up and doors locked; avoid showing off weapons to acquaintances or on social media; refrain from using decals that identify themselves as gun owners; record firearm details for reporting purposes; and immediately contact police at (575) 526-0795 if a firearm is stolen.
The department also encourages parents to be vigilant about their children’s activities and friendships. “Parents should have frank discussions with their children on the dangers and implications of handling or possessing a stolen firearm,” officials stated.
