July is “Watch Your Car Month”
(Press Release) Vehicle thieves are constantly looking for opportunities to take advantage of drivers. And historically, more vehicle thefts and burglaries occur in Texas during summer months, which is why the Eagle Pass Police Department’s Auto Theft Unit has declared July “Watch Your Car Month.” During “Watch Your Car Month”, representatives from the Eagle Pass Police Department and other vehicle crime task forces funded by the Texas Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority (ABTPA) will be working in their communities reminding drivers that they must protect their vehicles and possessions inside to avoid victimization by thieves. If drivers leave themselves vulnerable to theft, they are encouraged to change their behavior to avoid vehicle criminals. In addition, drivers should recognize that thieves want to strike in locations where we are most likely to leave belongings and be separated from our vehicles for longer periods of time. Those places may include homes, malls, gyms, movie theaters, hotels, . . . . even places of worship! Anywhere! In other words, thieves are looking for the biggest financial payoff in the shortest amount of time and with the greatest ease.
In 2013, vehicle thefts in Texas totaled 65,671, which means a car was stolen every eight minutes. Any vehicle is a potential target, and those most stolen are at least five years old. In 2014, the most targeted makes/models in Texas included: 1) Ford Pickup, 2) Chevrolet Pickup, 3) Dodge Pickup, 4) Honda Civic, and 5) Chevrolet Tahoe. In 2013, reported vehicle burglaries in Texas totaled 214,294, which means parts or contents were stolen every two minutes. In 2014, vehicle thefts in Eagle Pass totaled 31 and 128 reported burglary of vehicles. Currently in 2015, there has been 36 vehicle thefts and 13.1 burglaries of vehicles reported.
Texas drivers can help law enforcement decrease vehicle crimes by practicing simple prevention methodologies. First, don’t aid thieves by leaving doors unlocked and keys inside. Once a vehicle is stolen, any number of additional offenses could take place. The vehicle may be used to commit another crime. It may be operated erratically and involved in an accident. It may even be dismantled so the parts can be sold to fund other crimes ranging from drug use to terrorism.
Second, remove items from view inside your vehicle. Much like thefts involving the entire vehicle, drivers often unintentionally assist burglars by leaving belongings visible. Items left behind can result in a number of additional offenses. Keys or garage door openers can provide thieves access to homes, where belongings, money, and personal information could be taken. If a pet or child is left unattended in a vehicle, they could become additional victims of a thief. Items such as purses, briefcases, bags, electronics, clothing, or accessories can be stolen, leading to financial ruin, identity theft or resale of items to other unknowing victims.
Third, be aware! No device exists to stop carjackers, so a driver’s best defense is acknowledging surroundings. Watching situations around you can be the difference between becoming a victim and getting home safely.
Report all suspicious activities or individuals to the Eagle Pass Police Department at 911 or (830) 773-9044.
