Texas Drivers Hold the Key to Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention

(Del Rio) — Every five minutes, a car is stolen in Texas. More than likely, the driver’s valuable possessions, left in the vehicle, have also disappeared. Vehicle-related crimes can be prevented if drivers remember to “Hide Their Belongings. Lock Their Cars. Take Their Keys.”

This July, during “Watch Your Car” Month, hundreds of law enforcement task force representatives, funded by the Texas Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority (ABTPA), will be out in their communities, reminding Texas drivers to take these extra precautions when leaving their vehicles unattended. In 2007, an estimated 95,000 motor vehicles were stolen and about half of those had the keys left in the ignition. Recent statistics from law enforcement officials reported these top three locations from which vehicles were stolen: residences/home (41.6%), parking lot/garage (28.7%) and highway/road/alley (12.2%).

“We cannot stress enough to Texas drivers that they “Hold the Key” to auto burglary and theft prevention,” said Detective David Mercier. “Being aware of the things they can do to prevent these crimes, as well as the anti-theft devices available to protect their vehicles, such as kill switches and VIN-etchings, will help deter thieves and make neighborhoods safer.”

“Vehicles are frequently stolen and burglarized for the resale of their parts, for insurance fraud, identity theft and used to commit gateway crimes,” said Susan Sampson, director, ABTPA.

ABTPA, an office of TxDOT, was created by the Texas Legislature in 1991 to fund programs to reduce vehicle-related crimes. Since 1991, motor vehicle theft has been reduced by 59%.

For more information on the “Watch Your Car” program and prevention tips, available in English and Spanish, citizens can contact Auto Burglary and Theft Detective David Mercier at (830) 774-8773 or dmercier@cityofdelrio.com. Citizen’s can also call toll free: 1-800-CAR-WATCH or visit the Authority's Web site at www.txwatchyourcar.com.