BEWARE: Police Warn Car Burglaries On The Rise In East Texas
Several East Texas Police Agencies Are Warning Residents About A Rash Of Car Burglaries.
Car burglaries are a common crime in Texas, especially in urban areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin. Now the crime has spiked in recent weeks in East Texas according to several law enforcement agencies.
Thieves often target vehicles that are left unattended for even short periods. Protecting yourself from car burglaries requires vigilance and a few proactive measures which we'll get into later.
Rusk County
We are currently working several Burglary of Motor Vehicles in the South part of the county just South of Henderson from...
Posted by Rusk County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Back in September, Rusk County Sheriffs posted video asking for the public's help after several car burglaries were reported south of Henderson. The vehicle was described as possibly a white Ford 4 door truck.
Wood County
Wood County officials said several vehicles were burglarized near FM 17 and CR 1600 as well as in Van Zandt County. During that investigation, the Wood County Sheriff’s office said the suspect vehicle appeared to be a Ford.
Hopkins County
Hopkins County Law Enforcement needs your help!
In the early morning of October 14, 2024, unknown persons burglarized...
Posted by Hopkins County Sheriff's Office Texas on Monday, October 14, 2024
The most recent burglaries took place in Hopkins County burglarized vehicles on Monday in the southern part of Hopkins County. The department’s ongoing investigation found that at least four people traveled along FM 1567 stealing from unlocked vehicles.
Rains, Henderson and several other counties are also reporting an uptick in car burglaries and investigators believe an organized group of criminals are responsible and taking tools and firearms from vehicles.
What Do Police Recommend You Do?
Here's 4 ways you can protect yourself:
1. Lock Your Doors and Close Windows: This may seem obvious, but many burglaries occur when car owners forget to lock their doors or leave windows cracked open. Even if you’re just stepping away for a moment, always double-check that your car is locked and secure.
2. Don’t Leave Valuables in Plain Sight: Thieves often look for easy targets. Leaving bags, electronics, or other valuables visible inside your vehicle can attract unwanted attention. Keep valuables out of sight by locking them in the trunk or, better yet, removing them from the car entirely. Even items like loose change or empty bags can entice a thief.
3. Park in Well-Lit, High-Traffic Areas: Thieves are less likely to strike in areas where they can be easily seen. Try to park your car in well-lit areas or near entrances where there is a lot of foot traffic. If possible, use parking garages or lots that have security cameras or patrols.
4. Install a Car Alarm or Anti-Theft Device: Many modern cars come equipped with alarms, but installing an additional anti-theft device like a steering wheel lock or GPS tracker can provide an extra layer of protection. Thieves are more likely to avoid cars with visible security features.
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