North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has officially designated June 1-7 as S.A.F.E. (Secure All Firearms Effectively) Week of Action, aiming to raise awareness about the critical importance of safe firearm storage. This initiative, spearheaded by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, coincides with alarming FBI statistics indicating that gun theft from vehicles has tripled over the past decade, with ten North Carolina cities ranking among the top 100 in the nation for such incidents.
As part of the observance, community events are scheduled throughout the state, including a partnership between the NCDPS and the Asheville Police Department to distribute free gun locks. The urgency of this initiative is underscored by recent tragic shootings in North Carolina, where firearms have become the leading cause of injury-related death for youth. Governor Stein’s proposed budget includes over $2.2 million to promote safe storage practices, highlighting the need for effective measures to curb gun-related violence in the state.
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