Protect property, purchase by employing a few simple reminders

Residents finding good holiday bargains should avoid becoming a source of those bargains themselves, by using care at home and in their vehicles.

Theft is a problem that “steps up during the holiday, every single time,” said Rusk Police Chief Stephen Hughes, who said that using “good common sense” can help folks keep their property safe from burglars.

“This time of year, car and house burglaries tend to increase during the holiday season,” he said. “Lock the doors, roll the car windows up … don't leave purses or wallets inside the car – if you can't take it, then hide it under a blanket, or put it in the trunk.”

According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, in Texas, nearly 77,000 vehicles were stolen last year, and nearly 200,000 vehicles are burglarized each year. The losses to Texans are staggering at nearly $1.5 billion.

“Protect your investment,” said Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority Chairman and Galveston County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Tommy Hansen. “More than 80% of communities that have a motor vehicle theft taskforce funded by MVCPA reported that keys left in cars and cars unlocked were the major contributors to these crimes.”

Stolen cars disappear across the border, out of the ports or end up at local illegal “chop shops” every day, according to the DMV.

“Motor vehicle theft would plummet if people did not leave their cars unlocked or leave their keys in the car. Many thieves use stolen vehicles in other criminal activities, such as human trafficking, drug smuggling and robbery,” a DMV release stated.

Officials reminds Texans: If You Like It – Lock It. Locking your car is the most effective way to prevent burglary of your car, the release noted, reminding folks to take or hide their things. Many law enforcement agencies say criminals are targeting vehicles in neighborhoods and parking lots likely to contain weapons or credit cards, which are the top priority for quick money from burglary. Don’t go willingly down “Victim Lane.”

DMV officials suggest the following for a safe and secure holiday.

• Lock your vehicle and take your keys.

• Take your things. If you cannot, then hide valuables from plain sight to avoid attracting thieves

• Never hide a second set of keys in or on your vehicle. Thieves can find these easily.

• Park in well-lighted areas or attended lots.

• Never leave your vehicle running unattended, even if you will only be away for a moment.

• Don’t leave documents with important personal details in your vehicle.

• Park with your wheels turned toward the curb and use your emergency brake, making your vehicle harder to tow away. Wheels should also be turned to the side in driveways and parking lots.

• If you have a garage, use it. Lock your garage as well as your vehicle doors. Your vehicle may be more vulnerable when you park outside.

• Consider after-market theft prevention devices compatible with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Visit www.txwatchyourcar.com for more information, or email [email protected].