Gangs Stealing Guns from Chicago Railyards
The Problem of Gangs Stealing Guns
Chicago has long been known for its high levels of gun violence. In 2021, there were over 760 homicides in the city, the majority of which were committed with guns. While there are many factors that contribute to this violence, one major issue is the ease with which gangs are able to obtain firearms.
One source of these guns is railyards. In recent years, there have been several instances of gangs breaking into these yards and stealing firearms that are being transported by train. According to a report by the Chicago Sun-Times, there were at least 40 such thefts in the Chicago area in 2019 alone. The guns that are stolen range from handguns to assault rifles, and they are often sold or traded among gang members.
The problem is not limited to Chicago. According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), there were over 9,000 firearms stolen from licensed gun dealers in the United States in 2018. These guns often end up in the hands of criminals, including gang members.
How Gangs Are Stealing Guns from Railyards
Gangs have developed several methods for stealing guns from railyards. One common technique is to cut holes in the fences surrounding the yards and then break into the rail cars that are transporting the firearms. Once inside, the gang members can quickly remove the guns and make their escape before anyone notices.
Another method involves bribing or intimidating rail employees to gain access to the firearms. Gang members may offer large sums of money to employees who are willing to look the other way while they steal the guns. In other cases, they may threaten violence against employees or their families if they do not cooperate.
Preventing Gangs from Stealing Guns
Preventing gangs from stealing guns from railyards is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. One key step is to improve security measures at the railyards themselves. This could include adding more cameras and security personnel, as well as strengthening the physical barriers around the yards.
Another approach is to focus on the employees who work at the railyards. Rail companies could provide more training and resources to these employees to help them recognize and report suspicious activity. They could also implement stricter background checks and drug testing for employees to help prevent corruption.
Finally, there needs to be a broader effort to reduce gun violence in Chicago and other cities. This could involve increasing funding for community-based programs that provide support and resources to at-risk youth, as well as implementing stricter gun control measures to prevent criminals and gang members from obtaining firearms.
The issue of gangs stealing guns from railyards in Chicago is a serious one that contributes to the city's high levels of gun violence. While there is no easy solution to this problem, there are steps that can be taken to prevent these thefts and reduce the overall prevalence of gun violence. By improving security measures at railyards, focusing on employee training and background checks, and implementing broader efforts to reduce gun violence, we can work to make our communities safer and more secure.