By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA – The Helena Police Department has warned residents to keep their vehicles locked and valuables put away, after a string of thefts were reported during the early morning hours of Friday, Jan. 10, according to a Facebook post from the department.

Officers on patrol reported that several thefts occurred from unlocked automobiles in neighborhoods along the Shelby County 52 corridor. Most of these thefts were located by officers on day shift patrol noticing vehicle doors were ajar.

HPD said that many of the cars did not have anything stolen but there were five cases confirmed where there were missing items.

“Please remember to lock your cars when you are home and if you carry firearms in your car, please bring them inside,” the post read. “As a reminder, five of six police officers killed in Alabama were killed with stolen guns. Please lock them up.”

One resident captured video of an alleged theft from a suspect the morning of Jan. 10, but HPD said it is difficult to see enough detail to identify anyone, but, it does prove that locked cars are a deterrent.

To see the video of the attempted theft, visit Neighbors.ring.com/n/31Od1l9MZK?fbclid=IwAR0jxryX0HtNoLOU5gKgza4-9QAkRFL5tQXqumo7RDPbVhe91-_iVhlYb8M.