Car burglaries are still a problem in the city, with 10 of them reported since Friday. There is concern that these crimes will escalate during the holiday season.
Every two minutes, a vehicle is burglarized in Texas and the contents are stolen, according to Texas Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority.
With the holiday shopping season arriving in a matter of days, residents need to be more vigilant in protecting belongings inside vehicles.
Temple police officials and the Telegram want to remind readers to keep things out of sight in your car and to keep your doors locked.
“Anything purchased for holidays should be put in the trunk,” Temple police officer Bryan Davis said earlier this month at a neighborhood meeting.
The automatic garage door opener is another item giving burglars an unintentional invitation to visit your home.
Davis said sometimes burglars have taken garage door remotes from unlocked cars and used them later to gain access to the house.
Make sure not to help thieves carry out their crimes more efficiently by following these tips:
A thief’s greatest enemy is time. Don’t make it easy for them to gain access to your things.
Make sure that bills or anything else containing personal information are not left in your car. A burglar can use the information to locate your home and later burglarize it as well.
Officials suggest parking in the garage if you have one, and to make sure the garage is locked.
Avoid parking on the street at night if possible and if you have a car alarm, use it.
When out shopping this holiday season, lock your purchases in the trunk. Do not keep them in view of a potential burglar.
jthompson@temple-telegram.com
