Savannah considering penalties for those who leave guns unsecured in vehicles
Those who do not properly stow firearms in vehicles and report thefts of guns in Savannah could face penalties under a proposed ordinance spearheaded by Mayor Van Johnson.
The proposed changes to city code, expected to go before city council for a vote next week, would require owners and dealers to report the theft of a firearm to the Savannah Police Department and also require firearms left in parked vehicles be stowed in a locked compartment.
"It is our responsibility to do whatever we can within the parameters of the law to keep Savannahians safe, and I committing to doing just that, whatever it takes," said Johnson, who has long signaled his intention to reduce the number of firearms stolen from cars.
Infractions under the new ordinance would be city code violations, and potential penalties are a fine not to exceed $1,000 or no more than 30 days in jail, Johnson said. The ordinance comes as response to crime stats that show the majority of guns stolen from vehicles come from unlocked cars.
In 2023, SPD reported 244 guns stolen from cars, with 203 stolen from unlocked vehicles, according to SPD data. Through the end of March this year, 56 out of 69 firearms stolen from cars came from unlocked vehicles.
"We support the Second Amendment, and the right to bear arms," Johnson said. "This ordinance will not affect one's ability to legally carry a firearm in your car, but this ordinance does address irresponsible actions by firearm owners."
Johnson also said the required reporting for stolen firearms will assist law enforcement in identifying and securing stolen weapons. The Savannah Police Department declined to comment on the proposed ordinance due to it being pending legislation, according to Neil Penttila, Savannah's public safety communications manager.
The proposed ordinance change has been under legal review by city staff, and Johnson said the proposed changes have been vetted and tested.
Savannah City Council's next meeting is scheduled for April 11, and Johnson has encouraged council to support the measures. If approved, Johnson has pledged a 30-day public awareness campaign on the changes.
"It is my goal to bring this ordinance to city council next week, and I am hoping that our colleagues will approve it," Johnson said.
Drew Favakeh contributed reporting to this article.
Evan Lasseter is the city and county government reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at ELasseter@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah mayor proposes ordinance to penalize improperly stowed guns
