Texas Tops U.S. in Number of Lost, Stolen Firearms

Federal authorities say Texas has far and away the largest number of firearms in the U.S. reported as lost or stolen.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives issued a report this week showing there were 18,874 firearms lost or stolen in Texas in 2012.

The figure amounts to 10 percent of the total national number.

The next closest state was Georgia with 12,906. Following in order were Florida, 12,571; California, 10,639; and North Carolina, 9,320.

Rhode Island had the fewest missing in 2012 with 226 followed by North Dakota with 273.

The bureau publishes the report annually as part of an effort by the administration of President Barack Obama to reduce gun violence. It’s meant to increase transparency while providing additional data for law enforcement to share.