By John Howell

Como police chief Earl Burdette has issued a plea to gun owners in the wake of thefts from vehicles last week.

“Help me help you,” Burdette said Monday after investigations revealed that most of the guns stolen had been left in unlocked vehicles, most parked overnight at homes.

“Most people carry guns and I understand that,” Burdette said, “but at least lock your doors. We have to be more responsible with the gun; times have changed.”

Burdette said that he supports gun ownership but that he wants more people to be aware of the responsibility that comes with it.

“I’m not offending the person with common sense,” he said.

“You may face your gun some day in a robbery, or it may be used on your neighbor,” the police chief said.

Of the 20 vehicle burglaries last week in Como and nearby Senatobia, “we got some of them back,” he said.

The Como chief said that in addition to citizens’ help from gun owners keeping their guns out of reach of thieves, help is needed from anyone who sees something suspicious.

“Call and say something,” he said. “You don’t have to give your name.”