Nearly two dozen firearms have been stolen from vehicles in DeLand that were mostly unlocked, according to police.
On Thursday, DeLand Police Department reported that since December 1, a total of 20 firearms have been stolen from vehicles, including one suppressor.
According to police, in all but two of the thefts, the vehicles were unlocked.
The rash of robberies has prompted local law enforcement to encourage the public to establish a routine of locking vehicles daily.
“Whether it’s your firearm or valuables, it only take a few minutes to secure your belongings and lock your vehicle to ensure you won’t be the latest victim of a car burglary,” said DeLand Police Chief Jason Umberger.
Police advise against storing firearms in cars, regardless of whether or not they are locked.
“Guns should be locked in a gun locker inside your home or at the very least, inside a gun safe in the trunk of your vehicle if it needs to be stored in your vehicle,” reads a statement from DPD.
If you have been the subject of a car burglarization in the DeLand area, contact the DeLand Police Department at 386-943-8276.