Nearly 75 percent of guns stolen in Las Cruces since 2022 were taken during auto burglaries, according to police.

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - Police are again urging gun owners not to leave firearms in their vehicles, citing a sharp rise in thefts from cars and trucks over the past three years.

Since Jan. 1, 2022, nearly 75 percent of firearms stolen in Las Cruces were reported taken during auto burglaries, according to the Las Cruces Police Department. Of the 578 firearms reported stolen between January 2022 and Sept. 24, 2025, 429 were taken from vehicles.

By comparison, police said 143 guns were stolen in residential burglaries during the same time.

Year-by-year theft reports

• 2022: 117 guns stolen, 90 from vehicles
• 2023: 201 guns stolen, 150 from vehicles
• 2024: 157 guns stolen, 121 from vehicles
• 2025: 103 guns stolen, 68 from vehicles (through Sept. 24)

Police said the trend mirrors reports nationwide.

Police recommendations

The Las Cruces Police Department is asking owners to:

• Remove firearms, ammunition, magazines and accessories when leaving a vehicle unattended
• Roll up windows and lock doors
• Remove firearms before loaning a vehicle or leaving it for repairs
• Avoid decals or stickers identifying yourself as a gun owner
• Refrain from displaying firearms on social media or to acquaintances
• Record make, model and serial numbers of all firearms and keep the list secure
• Report stolen firearms immediately to police at 575-526-0795

Police also encouraged parents to talk to children about the dangers and consequences of handling or possessing stolen firearms.