Here are a few simple and easy ways to guard against becoming a victim of auto theft.

  • Take Your Keys. One out of every five vehicles stolen had the keys in it.
  • Lock Your Car. Approximately half of all vehicles stolen were left unlocked.
  • Never Hide a Second Set of Keys in Your Car. Extra keys can easily be found if a thief takes time to look.
  • Park in Well-Lighted Areas.
  • Park in Attended Lots. Auto thieves do not like witnesses and prefer unattended parking lots.
  • If You Park in an Attended Lot, Leave Only the Ignition/Door Key. If your trunk and glovebox use the same key as the door, have one of them changed. Don't give the attendant easy access to your glovebox and trunk. Upon returning, check the tires, spare and battery to insure they are the same as those you had when you parked.
  • Never Leave Your Car Running, Even if You'll Only Be Gone for a Minute. Vehicles are commonly stolen at convenience stores, gas stations, ATM's, etc. Many vehicles are also stolen on cold mornings when the owner leaves the vehicle running to warm up. Leaving your key in an unattended motor vehicle is a crime in Texas punishable by a fine of up to $200.
  • Completely Close Car Windows When Parking. Don't make it any easier for the thief to enter your vehicle.
  • Don't Leave Valuables in Plain View. Don't make your car a more desirable target for thieves by leaving valuables in plain sight.
CRIME PREVENTION SAFETY TIPS

WHEN YOU’RE WALKING:
- Always be aware of your surroundings, and the people who are around you.
- Avoid walking alone; either walk with someone, or walk in areas where others are near.
- Stay in well lighted areas, away from alleys, bushes, and doorways.
- Avoid shortcuts through alleys, parks, vacant lots, or other deserted places.
- Walk in the middle of the sidewalk facing traffic.
- NEVER HITCHHIKE OR ACCEPT RIDES FROM STRANGERS!!
- If the driver of a car stops and harasses you, walk in the opposite direction.
- If you are walking to your car in a parking lot, and anything makes you feel uncomfortable, TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS, go back in the store. Get someone to walk with you to your car.
- When you approach your car, check the back seat and under the car.
- Have your keys in your hand. Enter the car, lock the doors, and drive away.
- DO NOT SIT IN THE CAR IN THE PARKING LOT AND CHECK YOUR PACKAGES!!!
- ALSO : If you have a cell phone, carry it with you when walking or driving and be prepared to use it to call for help. Know what numbers to call and be prepared to give your exact location to the emergency operator.

WHEN YOU’RE DRIVING:
- Never pick up hitchhikers.
- Keep the car doors locked and the windows rolled up at all times.
- Keep your car properly maintained and be sure you have enough fuel.
- Leave enough space from the car in front of you to maneuver.
- Look for pedestrians, many carjackers approach on foot.
- Learn your area, especially your neighborhood.
- If you feel you are being followed, DO NOT GO HOME!! Go to an open business, or
a Police Sub-Station or Fire Station to get help.
- If you are bumped in the rear, DO NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR!! Go to an open business, or a Police Sub-Station or Fire Station and call the Police.
- Try to park your car in well lighted areas, as close to the door as possible.
- Avoid drive through ATM’s at night after the banks are closed.
- Again, carry and be prepared to use your cell phone.

 

Going on Vacation?

If you will be on vacation and away from your home for an extended period, contact your police department and request a courtesy watch on your home.  Click HERE to download a Courtesy Watch Request Form, fill it out, and email or fax it to the Police Department.  The district Officers will be advised to check on your home while you are away.  This is not an inspection, it is an outer perimeter check of a home for any suspicious activity while the resident is gone for an extended period of time.