Guns stolen from unlocked cars in Long Beach are being used in violent crimes, city says

After three guns stolen from unlocked vehicles were later tied to a murder, a drive-by shooting and a narcotics raid, Long Beach police are starting a new campaign called “Lock It or Lose It.”

Numerous guns have been stolen from Long Beach and used in violent crime throughout the Southeast, the city’s police department said in its application for grant funding.

“Within the last year, one firearm was stolen from a vehicle in the City of Long Beach and used in a murder in Jackson, Alabama, of which the offender was from Moss Point, MS. Another was used in a drive by shooting in Moss Point, MS.

“Most recently, a stolen firearm was recovered in a narcotics raid in Harrison County.”

Police also said the most recent string of auto burglaries was committed by gang members from Hattiesburg, “who traveled to Long Beach for the purpose of burglarizing unlocked automobiles.”

On Monday, the U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst announced the city will get $7,302 for the new campaign. It is funded through programs by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice.

Two other locations, Jackson and Copiah County, also got funding to tackle their issues with street gangs.

“Lock It or Lose It” will promote the locking of vehicles and homes to prevent burglaries and violent crime.