Full Notification

(HOUSTON, TX) – July is Watch Your Car Month and the HCSO’s Auto Theft Unit, in partnership with the Texas Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority, is kicking it off by sharing the following tips to help protect your vehicle and valuables.

By following these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of becoming a victim of auto theft or burglary of a motor vehicle.

• Keep CDs, books, clothes and other personal belongings out of sight. Do not leave behind valuables, such as cell phones, laptops, instruments, purses or wallets.
• Stop idling. Whether you’re “warming up” your vehicle or making a quick trip inside the gas station, running vehicles left unattended become tempting targets for thieves.
• Don’t leave loose change in the console or cup holder. Thieves may break into your vehicle for a small amount of change.
• Store your garage door opener in your glove compartment or take it with you. Garage door openers allow access into your home. Thieves can use left-behind mail or an insurance card to learn your address.
• Ask valets and auto repair shops to not leave the keys in your vehicle if it will be unattended.
• Always keep your keys with you — never leave them in the vehicle.
• Lock your vehicle.
• Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas, and use a car alarm if possible. Kill switches are inexpensive and quite effective.

Remember, auto theft and burglary of a motor vehicle are usually crimes of opportunity. Remove the opportunity and reduce your risk!

See something? Say something!

iWatchHarrisCounty is the HCSO’s free mobile phone app that allows the public to report suspicious persons and/or activity anonymously, anywhere, any time.

For more information please visit www.iWatchHarrisCounty.com.

We watch Harris County and so should you.