Locally, the Montgomery County Auto Theft Task Force is proud to announce that the auto theft rate in this program area was reduced by 15% from 2007 to 2008. The theft rate for the first three reporting periods in 2009 is down 28% from the same reporting period in 2008. The area is still experiencing increasing thefts of Honda vehicles and heavy duty Ford and Dodge trucks. The Honda vehicles are being stolen and stripped for parts by groups of people who are racing the vehicles. The higher end Hondas contain desired motors and interiors that these groups use to upgrade their vehicles and sell to other individuals that are also desiring upgrades to their Honda vehicles. The Task Force has busted several Honda chop shops in the past two years. The heavy duty trucks are being stolen in this area and taken to the border where they are being modified for drug transportation and human trafficking.
Burglaries of motor vehicles continue to plague this area. In 2008, there were 2084 reported vehicle burglaries. Through three reporting periods in 2009 there have been 1353 reported vehicle burglaries. Stealing from vehicles is a quick simple crime to commit. Vehicle owners have made it easy by not locking their vehicles and leaving valuable items in plain sight inside their vehicles. The Task Force is asking every citizen in Montgomery County to lock their vehicle and secure items inside their vehicle when it is left unoccupied. With the help of all citizens and vehicle owners, these vehicle burglaries can be reduced or eliminated.
The Texas Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority provides information and tips on-line to educate vehicle owners on how to protect their vehicles. This information is available on-line at http://www.txwatchyourcar.com
Lieutenant David Moore
Project Director
Montgomery County Auto Theft Task Force
