COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Local law enforcement is sharing helpful reminders as the holiday season brings increased criminal activity, including car break-ins and porch pirating.

Lt. Jane Edenfield with Columbus Police said all the activity seen year-round tends to pick up this season. She stressed the importance of taking guns, wallets and phones out of cars whether overnight or while shopping.

Firearms left in vehicles fuel violent crime

“Please quit leaving your firearms in your vehicles. I don’t know how to get that out there,” Edenfield said. “Your car is not safe. It’s not a storage locker for a firearm.”

Edenfield said stolen firearms often end up being used in violent crimes throughout the community.

“These criminals know where to hit, what locations to hit. They know what locati

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