The Kerrville community has seen an increase in thefts from vehicles within the last five months. Thirty cars were burglarized in this time period (compared to 23 in 2012 during the same months). These crimes are not specific to any particular area, time or day of the week.

The Kerrville Police Department is aggressively investigating these cases within the City and the Department is requesting the public's help to prevent and stop these crimes.

Today, KPD Chief John M. Young Jr., is announcing a campaign presented by the Texas Watch Your Car - Auto Burglary & Theft Prevention Authority to "HIDE your things, LOCK your car, and TAKE your keys."

Chief Young suggested that most of these crimes occur because people leave car doors unlocked or leave valuables in plain sight.

According to Community Services Officer Paul Gonzales, the most likely targets for theft are purses, wallets, expensive sunglasses, watches, camera gear, electronic devices, GPS systems, satellite radio receivers, cell phones, gym bags, computers, after-market stereos, CD's, speakers, power tools, spare change, and mail all of which are portable.

Vehicle burglaries are crimes of opportunity, and carelessness often results in vehicles being broken into; however, residents can minimize their chances of being a victim by taking a few simple steps:
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1. Keep all car doors and windows closed and locked - even if it's a quick errand. This sounds like commonsense, but the majority of vehicle burglaries are from vehicles where the doors were not
locked or a window was down.

2. Do not leave valuables or packages in plain sight in your vehicle. This may sound like a simple solution, but it happens all the time where items of value are left in plain view.

3. If your vehicle has a built in security system, use it. If you don't have a security system installed, it is worth the investment - it may also qualify you for a discount on your auto insurance.

4. Park your vehicle in an area that is visible to the public and well-lit at night. If possible, park your car in the garage. If garage parking is not available; the next best option is to park your car in
the driveway and install motion-sensor security lighting on your home.

5. Never leave an electronic garage opener in the car. It can provide a thief easy access to your home.

6. Keep a list of serial numbers (include make and model information as well) for the commonly used electronic equipment you may keep in the car, like CD players, stereo faceplates,
electronic devices, GPS systems, etc. Keep a copy of this inventory in a safe place such as a safe deposit box. We also suggest that you engrave your driver's license number on your valuables to aid in their recovery, should they be lost or stolen.

7. If your car is burglarized, please report it to the law enforcement immediately.

Residents are encouraged to call the Kerrville Police Department's nonemergency
line 830-257-8181 immediately to report all suspicious activity, (9-1-1 for EMERGENCY only).

Chief Young stressed that the Police Department needs the community's eyes and ears to assist with catching these criminals.