SAN ANTONIO – There’s a troubling trend emerging in San Antonio: burglars seem to be specifically targeting guns left inside vehicles. This situation was highlighted when at least one resident of a Northwest Side apartment complex reported that his firearm was stolen right from the center console of his truck.
Agustin Martinez, the victim, shared his shock when he discovered that only his gun was taken, while other valuable items, like a pair of expensive sunglasses, were left untouched. “They only took my gun. That was about it. Nothing else was touched. Just that,” he explained.
Martinez realized something was wrong when he went to check on his pickup truck. The burglars had broken the back passenger window, allowing them to access the interior and search for valuables. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with leaving firearms in vehicles.
Another resident, Luis Servin, experienced a similar break-in, although he wasn’t as unfortunate as Martinez. His truck was also targeted, but the burglars left without taking his wallet. “My wallet was there. They didn’t take it,” Servin remarked. However, he suspects they were after a gun, as they broke the window without taking anything else.
According to local law enforcement, pickups are frequently targeted in these types of burglaries because the owners are often perceived to carry firearms. A spokesperson for the police department is currently working on a statement regarding this alarming trend.
Martinez admitted that he had accidentally left his gun in the vehicle after a night out. “Left it there. Forgot about it,” he said, indicating that he learned a valuable lesson from this experience. Servin, on the other hand, expressed frustration over the financial burden of repairing his truck’s window. “My deductible is expensive, like $1,500, for this glass,” he stated.
Both men hope to raise awareness about the importance of not leaving guns in vehicles, as it could lead to significant losses not only in terms of property but also in personal safety. Their stories serve as a reminder to always secure firearms properly to prevent theft and ensure public safety.
