SAVANNAH, Ga. () – New data from the Savannah Police Department (SPD) indicates the enforcement of a gun ordinance passed nearly a year ago.

In 2023, 244 firearms were stolen from cars in Savannah, including 203 from unlocked vehicles.

The ordinance went into effect in 2024, requiring drivers to keep their cars locked and guns stored out of sight. Between April 15, 2024, and Aug. 2, 2025, officers issued more than 40 citations and 12 warnings, including seven warnings and 27 citations this year alone.

The SPD said as of Sept. 2, 2025, 238 guns have been reported stolen, including 113 from vehicles and 78 from cars left unlocked.

“It’s working. It’s working, because maybe not as many people are leaving their cars unlocked,” Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said.

Johnson acknowledged the ordinance has faced criticism but said it is helping keep weapons off the streets.

“So, although it was painful for people to think that we would have an ordinance to regulate a car, I would tell you that at the end of the day, we’re getting the result we want,” Johnson said.

Johnson said fewer guns stolen from cars means fewer guns on the street illegally and fewer chances for those weapons to end up in violent crimes.

“We don’t want to write tickets for people not locking their cars,” said Johnson. “So, if someone thinks about it and says, ‘let me go ahead, secure my weapon so it’s not stolen.’ That’s less stolen from cars, and less guns stolen from cars are less guns illegally in the streets,” Johnson said.

Mayor Johnson said the simplest fix remains the same: don’t leave your car unlocked, and don’t leave a gun inside.