In 2019 so far, 240 guns have been stolen from vehicles, according to a Metro Nashville Police Department news release, and unlocked and unsecured cars may be to blame.

The release describes a review of stolen vehicle reports from Sunday, May 12, through Saturday, May 18, which showed that 51%, or 25 out of 49, of the vehicles had keys left inside or made available to the thieves. Additionally, six of these vehicles had been left running without a driver present.

Nine guns were stolen from the vehicles during the review period, with seven of those vehicles left unlocked.

The release encourages drivers to secure all valuables, including guns, when leaving a vehicle, and to take their keys.

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Reach Andrew Wigdor at awigdor@tennessean.com and on Twitter @wiggie5885.