Mecklenburg County gave away more than 1,250 free gun lockboxes during summer 2026, aimed at reducing firearm theft and protecting children.

The county's Office of Violence Prevention ran the distribution as part of its Safer Community Summer Campaign, according to Mecklenburg County Public Health. The campaign also promoted mental health resources and support for parents.

"Firearms are now the leading cause of injury-related death for children and youth in the state, and gun thefts are on the rise …" Dr. Ebony Rao, senior health program manager for the Office of Violence Prevention, said in a Sept. 20 county statement.

Lockboxes remain available by appointment. Ballantyne residents can request a free SnapSafe Large Lockbox with Key Lock through the county's safe storage page while supplies last. The lockbox measures 9.5 inches long, 6.5 inches wide and 1.75 inches high.

The Office of Violence Prevention offers the lockboxes by appointment twice a month, paired with free car seat safety checks, according to the office's website. Residents can check the safe storage page for scheduling.

The county also cited local suicide data to underscore the need for secure storage. Between 2020 and 2024, 584 people in Mecklenburg County died by suicide. Of those, 234 were youth and young adults aged 10 to 24. More than 53% of all suicide deaths in the county during that period involved a firearm, according to county public health data released for Suicide Prevention Month.

In a separate Sept. 1 statement marking Suicide Prevention Month, Rao said, "Securing firearms can provide time for people to get the help they need …"

County public health officials recommend gun owners unload firearms when not in use, lock them with a lockbox, cable lock or trigger lock, and never leave a firearm unsecured in a vehicle. The county's safe storage page notes that gun thefts from parked cars are increasing statewide, though no specific figures are cited. Gun owners who leave a firearm in a vehicle should keep it out of sight and secured with a lock or in a gun case, the page advises.

Residents can find additional gun safety and violence prevention resources through the county's Safer Meck campaign.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.