INDIANAPOLIS -- Indy police officials are preaching gun safety after an alarming increase in accidental self-inflicted shootings so far this year. Over the first three months of 2025, Indianapolis Metropolitan police report a 113% increase in accidental shootings city-wide. 24% of those injured w ere juveniles. In Marion County, simple gun locks are available free of charge, which is why police and gun safety advocates believe accidental shootings are preventable and sometimes criminal. "At the end of the day, the number one priority for any gun owner is to secure your firearm," said IMPD Deputy Chief Kendale Adams. "Accidental shootings are 100% preventable, particularly as it relates to juveniles." Adams issued that warning on Friday because there were 16 incidents in March alone. That marked a 220% increase over last year, and the number of juveniles injured rose by 167%. "They're 100% preventable, every single one of one, with just some very simple basic rules that any responsible gun owner ought to know and follow," said gun rights attorney Guy Relford. Relford said many gun safes can be unlocked in mere seconds. That is why both he and IMPD remind everyone to store firearms locked and unloaded, never leave guns unsecured and always safely handle and carry firearms. "With rights come responsibilities," said Relford. "There's really two elements to it: responsible and safe gun handling and responsible and safe gun storage." Relford said there are simple rules for safe gun handling, including: Treat every gun as if it's loaded Never point a firearm at anything you're not willing to destroy Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot Always know your target Of course, the gun safety message isn't new. In 2017, FOX59/CBS4 set up hidden cameras to see what kids would do if they came across a gun. Several children not only picked up the unloaded weapon, but some also pointed it at other kids. "Whatever you as a responsible gun owner can do to ensure children cannot get access to guns is the message here," said Adams. Free gun locks are available at Indianapolis Public Library locations during regular hours. ...read more read less