Police are trying to send a message to everyone to make sure to lock up their firearms and keep them in a safe place.

ICOLUMBUS, Ind. (WTHR) — Nearly 50 guns have been stolen in Columbus, Indiana this year.

It's a big number that police hope will get your attention.

Police are trying to send a message to everyone to make sure to lock up their firearms and keep them in a safe place.

“We urge all gun owners to be responsible and take common sense safety measures to ensure that their firearms are properly secured at all times” said Lt. Matt Harris, Public Relations Officer for the Columbus Police Department. “Stolen firearms often end up in the hands of people who cannot legally possess them and are used in the commission of crimes against the public and law enforcement officers.” Harris added.

They say this comes after four unsecured guns were stolen last week, bringing the total number this year to 47.

The majority of the reported thefts have occurred from unsecured vehicles and homes, according to police.

And these kinds of crimes are on the rise.

They reported a 65 percent increase in stolen guns between 2016 and 2017.