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This is America. Most states protect your right to carry a gun in your car in various states of storage and readiness. Whether or not you agree with it, it’s your right until it isn’t. However, many gun owners make the mistake of advertising their firearm ownership by placing a decal on their car, truck, SUV, or minivan. 

Gun owners might think putting a decal on their car is innocuous, but it’s a message for thieves and opportunists

You might think that SIG, Glock, Colt, or FN sticker looks properly menacing on the rear window of your favorite truck. However, it could be a billboard indicating the presence of a gun in your vehicle, even if there isn’t one. According to WKRC, police recommend not advertising or leaving your guns and other valuables in your car. 

It might seem a bit obvious, but South Bend Detective Brian Kendall reminds owners to secure their weapons and valuables (and valuable weapons– guns aren’t cheap). “The best thing is obviously leave everything locked, lock your house up, that way people can’t come in,” Kendall said of thieves breaking into cars to steal hunting equipment and valuables. “Don’t leave valuables or personal information in your car.”

Even the tough guy decals broadcast information beyond the message. Sure “Think twice, because I won’t” and “I don’t dial 9-1-1, I dial .357” are suitably threatening messages. However, they’re also messages for opportunists and those malicious people out there looking for poorly secured weapons. Your gun decal might look cool on your vehicle’s rear window, but it also says something akin to “Break for a weapon.”

In a perfect world, people wouldn’t steal firearms out of cars. Tragically, we don’t live in that ideal world. Keeping a loaded gun in your car is your right in many states. However, you don’t want to broadcast to the world that you have an expensive and potentially dangerous weapon on board while you’re watching the latest blockbuster at the movies. Your best bet is to avoid displaying your manufacturer or rights organization sticker and keep your weapon secured when unattended.

Source: WKRC

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).