By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – The Alabaster Police Department is searching for a suspect involved in an Aug. 18 vehicle burglary, and is seeking to dispel social media rumors regarding the theft.

In an Aug. 19 Facebook post, the police department reported a vehicle burglary happened during the early morning hours of Aug. 18 in the Apache Ridge subdivision. Two handguns were among the items stolen during the burglary.

“There have been reports on social media that the victim in this case had just gotten home and was unloading his vehicle when the crime occurred. This is inaccurate,” read the Facebook post. “It appears that the suspect in this crime was going around the neighborhood to see what vehicles were unlocked and this incident was a crime of opportunity.”

Police said the owner of the vehicle spotted the suspect, causing the suspect to flee the area.

“We have no reason to believe anyone was in danger,” read the post.

Law enforcement agencies throughout Shelby County have reported a rise in the number of burglaries from unlocked cars, and Alabaster police encouraged residents to always lock their vehicles.

“Please remember to keep your unattended vehicles locked at all times, even if they are parked in your very own driveway,” read the post. “Also, be sure to hide any valuables from plain view or take them inside your residence.

“If you observe any suspicious activity in or around your area, please call the police immediately,” the post read. “Don’t make yourself a target of crime – always be proactive.”