Don't leave guns in your cars

Here's one way to keep guns out of the hands of criminals: don't leave guns in your cars. Because the bad guys will steal them from your vehicles, or they'll steal your vehicle with your guns in it.

According to the Albuquerque Police Department, since July 2016, 1,035 guns have been stolen from vehicles or left in vehicles that were stolen.

Here are the numbers:

- 153 firearms were taken in vehicles that were stolen

- 882 firearms were stolen from vehicles during that time period

APD is now launching a public awareness campaign to educate and encourage Albuquerque residents to keep their firearms secure and take precautions to prevent thieves from stealing guns.

“The vast majority of gun owners are responsible and understand safety is always the top priority,” said APD Commander Joe Burke. “But the responsibilities extend to keeping guns out of the hands of criminals, or even others who are not trained to use them.

“That means locking up guns – in your home and in your vehicle. Don’t leave unsecured guns in your vehicle – in your own driveway, nor in a parking lot when you’re shopping for groceries, or going to the gym.”