Auto Theft

According to the Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority, Texas ranks second in the nation for vehicle theft.  In 2003, 98,174 vehicles were stolen in Texas, equating to over $782 million in financial losses to citizens.  In 2003, eight vehicles were stolen, or used without the authority of the owner, in Sweeny.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) urges citizens to follow these steps to protect vehicles from theft:

• Register your vehicle with the HEAT program (Help End Auto Theft)
• Don't leave valuables in plain sight, such as CDs, cell phones, radar detectors, purse, briefcase, suitcase, CD Players, MP3 players, etc.
• Always park in a well lighted area
• Use auto theft prevention devices such as car alarms, locking bars, kill switches, etc.
• Register your vehicle with the Protect Our Parts program
• Never hide a second set of keys in your car
• Always lock your vehicle doors, even when parked at work or at home
• Never leave the motor running while doing a quick errand

Links

Auto-Theft.info

Help End Auto Theft (H.E.A.T.)
National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)
Texas Crime Prevention Association (TCPA)
Stolen Car Reports
 

For further auto theft prevention information, contact:

1-800-CAR-WATCH

www.txwatchyourcar.com