HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — As Warner Robins city leaders look for ways to bring violence prevention, county law enforcement say locking your car doors and filing police reports could help prevent violence.
For many people, cars are a needed source of transportation and sometimes storage. But police say car break-ins are often where teens often get ahold of guns.
"Majority of them — not all, but majority — are from entering autos car break-ins things like that," Sgt. Justin Clark with Warner Robins Police said.
Clark says those guns are often used to commit violent crimes. He says the average age of people involved in those gun thefts are often 14 to 16.
"Over the years, the age of some of the shooting victims has gotten younger," Clark said.
Agencies have seen people as young as 12 or 13 involved. Perry Police Chief Alan Everidge says in the last few years, they've seen an increase in car break-ins.
"We arrested several in the past where they will actually pull on car door handles and see what's locked and remove items from there," Chief Everidge said.
If you are the victim of a break-in, you should report it.
"Whether it's a little bit taken, or lots taken, or a gun is taken or not, file a police report. Every little piece put together helps us solve cases," Everidge said.
He says you can help save yourself and others with a simple step.
"We're asking people don't leave guns in the car — but sure don't leave them unlocked," Everidge said.
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