Illinois sees 80% drop in gun thefts from licensed dealers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (KBSI) — Inspections of federal firearms license holders by Illinois State Police have led to a significant drop in gun thefts from dealers, authorities said.

The number of firearms stolen from licensed dealers in Illinois plummeted by nearly 80% in 2024 compared to the previous year, and by 92% compared to 2022, according to state police data.

“Five years ago, I signed a bipartisan law to combat illegal gun trafficking — and the data released today demonstrates that state oversight works,” Gov. JB Pritzker said.

The decline in gun thefts is attributed to the Firearm Dealer License Certification Act, which took effect in January 2019 and mandated video security systems for licensed dealers. The state police began conducting site visits in 2021 and inspections in 2022 to ensure compliance.

The inspections are part of a broader effort to combat gun violence. Last week, state police released data showing a 31% decrease in interstate shootings in 2024 compared to the previous year.