Published: July 01, 2008 11:28 pm            

July is ‘Watch Your Car' month

Every five minutes, a car is stolen in Texas.

More than likely, the driver’s valuable possessions, left in the vehicle, have also disappeared.

In an effort to prevent such events, the Texas Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority (ABTPA) is funding Watch Your Car month during July — a program whose slogan for drivers is “Hide Their Belongings. Lock Their Cars. Take Their Keys.”

Throughout the month of July, hundreds of law enforcement task force representatives, will be out in their communities, reminding Texas drivers to take these extra precautions when leaving their vehicles unattended.

According to ABTPA, 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 the top three locations from which vehicles were stolen include residences or homes — 41.6 percent, parking lots or garages — 28.7 percent, and highways, roads or alleys — 12.2 percent.

Judy Goodwell, research specialist with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Office of Inspector General, said drivers “hold the key” to auto burglary and theft prevention.

“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,” she said.

“You can also register your vehicles with the HEAT — Help End Auto Theft — program. HEAT is a free statewide vehicle registration program administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety that helps law enforcement officials identify stolen vehicles.”

Susan Sampson, Director for the ABTPA, said other crimes can stem from the initial auto burglary.

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

During Watch Your Car month, Sampson said TDCJ OIG administrative staff with be joining the City of Huntsville’s Recreation Services at Kate Barr Ross Park, located off state Highway 75 north on July 4 from 4-8 p.m.

“Along with the activities planned by the City, we will be distributing HEAT registration forms, pamphlets, T-shirts, key chains, car air fresheners, magnets and other items to the first 300 visitors,” she said.

All residents are encouraged to put theory into practice — “Hide Their Belongings. Lock Their Cars. Take Their Keys.”

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 percent.

For more information on the “Watch Your Car” program and prevention tips, visit http:// www.txwatchyourcar.com.

        

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