DETROIT (WWJ) - It seems more and more of us have decided to pack guns. WWJ Newsradio 950′s Rob Sanford says the concealed weapon permit rate is going up in Michigan.

The State Police say the number of residents seeking concealed weapon permits rose more than 86,000 last year – that’s a 30% increase over the year before.

It continues a trend that actually started a few years ago. The jump is mind numbing when you consider the number of applications have gone up by 226% from July of 2007.

Officials say a fear of crime, and a hedge against any new gun control laws are two reasons behind the increase.

Right now, there are more than a quarter million people in Michigan who are licensed to carry a concealed weapon.