POLICE Department
HPD Spreads Message to Citizens During "Watch Your Car Month"
July 6, 2016 - Investigators in the Houston Police Department's Auto Theft Division will spend much of the month of July educating the public on how to protect themselves from the most preventable crime there is - a car burglary - as part of "Watch Your Car Month."
HPD is among several law enforcement agencies receiving grant funding from the Texas Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority as part of the July 2016 "Watch Your Car Month" program.
There are about 2,500 burglaries of motor vehicles (BMVs) reported each month in the city of Houston. BMV crimes have increased about 8% so far this year compared to the same time a year ago. The majority of the car burglaries are the result of motorists leaving their vehicles unlocked, keys left inside vehicles, and items (laptop computers, purses, bags or briefcases) in plain view for a burglar to steal.
As demonstrated in a video previously posted on the HPD YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKQSaEpbexY, it takes a thief as little as five seconds to break into a car and make off with property.
Very simple crime prevention efforts on the part of citizens can drive this property crime rate down immediately. The slogan from the Auto Burglary & Theft Prevention Authority is: Protect It. It's Yours. Never Unlocked. Nothing In View.
We ask all citizens to help us spread that message during "Watch Your Car Month." A brochure for the burglary prevention for your vehicle is available in five languages on the HPD website under Crime Prevention Materials at https://www.houstontx.gov/police/keep_houston_safe/index.htm
JFC/VHS 7-6-16
For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.
