Wichita police are reporting more than 500 firearms that have been stolen so far this year, and at least 233 of the guns were taken from vehicles.

Police spokesman Andrew Ford said residents should make sure their vehicles are locked and secure, and they should never leave a loaded firearm in a vehicle.   He said people who have firearms in their homes should make sure that they are locked up and secure.   He said stolen firearms can often end up in other states, used to commit crimes.

Ford said residents should follow the 9 p.m. Routine, which is a national campaign encouraging residents to conduct security checks at their homes and vehicles each evening to make sure their property is secure.     He said an unlocked vehicle could also led to an unlocked home if there is a garage door opener in the vehicle.

The 501 gun thefts reported from January to August 31st is down 8 percent from the same time period last year.  Police have recovered 145 of the stolen guns.