Baltimore, Maryland, January 14, 2020 – Today, Brady Legal Counsel for Policy Christa Nicols testified before the Baltimore County Council in support of the Secure All Firearms Effectively (SAFE) Act, which would ensure that licensed dealers implement effective security measures to prevent against gun theft.In testimony before the Baltimore County Council, Brady Legal Counsel for Policy Christa Nicols shared:“[The Secure All Firearms Effectively (SAFE) Act] will ensure that fewer firearms are stolen and diverted to people that are prohibited from purchasing firearms legally. The SAFE Act is a common-sense regulation that will help combat the concerning uptick in stolen guns across the country and protect residents of Baltimore County from the unique risk to public safety that stolen guns pose.”The SAFE Act, Bill No. 72-19, will enact reasonable requirements for licensed gun dealers to ensure that inventory is secured and appropriately monitored. Efforts to increase security for inventory at gun dealerships have been proven effective. From 2012 to 2016, there were 10 recorded firearms stolen from licensed firearm dealers in the state of New Jersey, a state that has implemented comprehensive security mandates such as those in the SAFE Act. Maryland had 354 stolen firearms recorded during that same period. These efforts also work to combat a growing trend. Burglaries of licensed gun dealers increased by 48 percent between 2012 and 2016, while robberies increased by 175 percent, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Baltimore County alone saw seven firearms stores burglarized ten times over the last two years. Once stolen, guns cannot be traced by law enforcement and are often used for illicit purposes, reducing their theft will protect public safety.Furthermore, these measures are fully within the Council’s authority, as well as reflected in existing regulations of other industries. Nicols noted in her testimony:“Pharmacies and cannabis dispensaries operating within the state are required by law to implement minimum theft prevention measures. The security measures proposed under the SAFE Act are reasonable and consistent with the ATF’s published security best practices.”Brady urges the County Council to pass the SAFE Act.
Brady has one powerful mission — to unite all Americans against gun violence. We work across Congress, the courts, and our communities with over 90 grassroots chapters, bringing together young and old, red and blue, and every shade of color to find common ground in common sense. In the spirit of our namesakes Jim and Sarah Brady, we have fought for over 45 years to take action, not sides, and we will not stop until this epidemic ends. It’s in our hands.
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