After the filing of 150 reports of thefts since November, including incidents where nine guns were reported stolen, the Joplin Police Department is urging everyone to secure their vehicles and to remove valuables when the vehicle is left unattended. While this seems like a no-brainer, apparently a sizable number of people are not following the advice.

"It is even more important to make sure that you secure any weapon, that you may have in your vehicle, inside of your house whenever you are away from the vehicle," advised Lt. Matt Stewart.

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