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There have been 89 firearms stolen in Danville this year, and Police Chief Philip Broadfoot told council members Tuesday that the police department wants all gun owners to make sure their weapons are secured.

Broadfoot said that 42 of the 89 firearms were stolen from unlocked vehicles. A Danville police news release on Nov. 23 stated that 32 firearms were stolen in just three months.

Danville Police Lt. Mike Wallace said residents “have the right to carry” a firearm — as long as they are legally allowed to.

Wallace said many gun owners take their weapons with them in their vehicles and “may forget” to take them out.

Gun owners “run the risk” of losing their firearm by leaving it in an unsecured vehicle — another trend city residents do that leads to theft.

“It’s hard to say” why gun owners have their weapons in the car, Wallace said. Some people feel more secure with their firearms close to them when traveling.

“Be a responsible gun owner,” he said.