Orange County sheriff, lawmakers push to crack down on gun theft

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Orange County Sheriff and two Central Florida lawmakers announced a new plan to crack down on people who steal guns Monday.

The new legislation would require stores to properly secure the guns they have for sale after hours.

Sheriff John Mina said he believes the bill would also cover gun shows.

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He said he hopes the bill would prevent incidents like the Independence Day heist in 2015 when nearly 20 guns were stolen from a gun show at the Central Florida Fairgrounds.

The sheriff also pointed to two other heists in July, where 50 guns were stolen from gun stores.

The bill was just introduced in the senate. It will take some time to move through the committee process, but if it does make it to law, the proposed fine would a $500 penalty for business owners who violate the rule to keep guns in safes or lock them with cables.

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