AUGUSTA — Police are warning city residents and visitors against leaving their cars unlocked with the keys inside after a series of vehicles were reported stolen in recent days.

The alleged thefts have happened both downtown and in Augusta’s more rural neighborhoods, according to Lt. Kevin Lully of the Augusta Police Department, who warned of the stolen cars in a news release.

Police have “responded to several locations within the community for reports of stolen vehicles,” Lully said. “In many of these incidents the vehicles have been left (in driveways) on private property; however (the) vehicles have been left unlocked (with) keys inside the vehicles.”

Police are urging residents to lock their cars and hide their keys. They also are asking for anyone with information about the missing cars to share it with the Augusta Police Department.