In an unprecedented move, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has teamed up with Bluegrass Crime Stoppers to tackle the alarming rise in stolen firearms in Lexington. The collaborative effort aims to encourage community involvement in curbing gun violence and promises substantial rewards for those who provide valuable tips.
Despite a decrease in overall homicides from 2022 to 2023, Lexington continues to grapple with the scourge of gun violence, predominantly fueled by stolen firearms. Police Chief Lawrence Weathers emphasized the need for collective responsibility in addressing this issue during a press conference on Wednesday.
In 2023 alone, Lexington Police reported a staggering 475 stolen guns, with a staggering 86% pilfered from vehicles. Weathers stressed that these stolen weapons often find their way into violent crimes, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Weathers urged citizens to take proactive measures, such as securing firearms in homes and removing them from unattended vehicles. The police chief emphasized that these seemingly simple actions can play a pivotal role in saving lives.
Bluegrass Crime Stoppers, an organization facilitating anonymous tips, has been instrumental in aiding law enforcement. Over the past three years, tips provided to Crime Stoppers resulted in 189 arrests, including 18 related to homicides. During this period, the organization disbursed over $100,000 in rewards.
In a groundbreaking collaboration, the ATF has pledged to match $10,000 of Crime Stopper payouts. This means that individuals providing information leading to the seizure of an illegal gun stand to receive a $1,000 reward, supplemented by an additional $1,000 from the ATF. For arrests involving multiple firearms, a $500 bonus will be granted to the tipster.
Special Agent Shawn Morrow from the Louisville Division of the ATF highlighted the significance of recovering firearms. The ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network will analyze seized weapons, potentially linking them to other violent crimes in the region.
The partnership between ATF and Bluegrass Crime Stoppers marks a crucial step in mobilizing the community against gun violence. The financial incentives provided by this collaboration are expected to encourage more individuals to come forward with vital information. By strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the community, both organizations aspire to make Lexington safer and reduce the illicit circulation of firearms.