Police to drivers: Stop leaving guns in cars

ATLANTA - Atlanta Police have a message for gun owners: never leave your gun in your car

Police said, out of two crime sprees where more than 90 vehicles were broken into, drivers have reported 15 guns missing. 

"Those guns might never be recovered," said Sgt. Warren Pickard. "If you leave it in your car... you risk the chance... it's going be stolen. It will fall in the hands of bad guys," he said. 

Officers said these thefts add to the problem of more illegal guns on Atlanta streets, and are in the hands of criminals that can commit violent crimes.  

The two crime sprees happened Sept. 20 and Sept. 27 in Midtown and Northeast Atlanta. Police said the same crew broke into 70 cars throughout several neighborhoods during the first incident, and more than 20 cars in Midtown parking structures during the second ordeal. 

Police arrested one suspect from the incident on Sept. 20. 

Officers ask gun owners to take responsibility for their weapons, and practice the following safety tips: 

• Never leave a gun unsecured in a vehicle, and always take the weapon inside your location. 
• Purchase a gun safe specifically for a vehicle, if you need to leave a weapon in your car. 
• Always clean out your vehicle of possessions and valuables, which lessens the likelihood a criminal can break into your car.