Never said Gun stores aren't robbed, (and you have my condolences for your friend) but you have to consider the vast regional difference between our coasts.
http://www.census.gov/statab/ranks/rank21.html
Violent crime per 100,000, and ranking among states. (for 2006)
Florida 712 #4
Oregon 280 #38
Here it's surprising because that sort of thing generally doesn't happen, frankly when the sky is drooling Ice-water for 3 months out of the year, and just Cold rain for 6 of the others... we just don't have the inclination to go about properly killing each other at a good pace.
However, on your side of the country I can see how it would be at the fore of the mind for more people.
The OP is concerned with carrying weapons to his car Here, in such a manner that in other states would go entirely without notice.
Eugene is a city that has specifically passed ordinances forbidding Open Carry without a CHL. Not that that particularly applies here, but it speaks to the attitudes of those charged with being the City's custodians.
Not quite Mr.Roger's Neighborhood here, but if you squint just right....