Police urge citizens to protect themselves against auto theft and burglary of a vehicle

Posted on Jul 26, 2012 in Local News, Scene of the Crime by Josh Allen

The Paris Police Department and the Northeast Texas Auto Theft Task force would like to remind citizens that the summer driving months are here and the increase in activity unfortunately comes with an increase in crime. Local law enforcement has recently seen an increase in burglary of vehicles, especially in the east and northeast Paris area. Law enforcement has also noted an uptick in the number of firearms that are being stolen during these car burglaries and would like remind citizens of the importance of securing your vehicle.

Each year the month of July is designated by the State of Texas as “WATCH YOU CAR” month and was deemed such because July has more auto thefts and car burglaries than any other month of the year. The Texas Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority, which funds the Northeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force, sponsors “Watch You Car” month to encourage the public to HIDE, TAKE, LOCK – Hide Your Things, Take Your Keys, and Lock Your Car to reduce Auto Theft and Burglary of a Vehicle. While our area is not an auto theft “hot spot”, vehicles are regularly stolen and a large number of vehicles are burglarized during the summer months and throughout the year.

So the Paris Police Department and the Northeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force would like to remind and encourage everyone to practice HIDE, TAKE, LOCK – Hide Your Things, Take Your Keys, and Lock Your Car to help reduce Auto Theft and Burglary of a Vehicle. While none of us can completely insulate ourselves against becoming a crime victim, we can all practice these three simply steps (Hide, Take, Lock) and significantly reduce the likelihood of a thief burglarizing or stealing our vehicles.

- Paris Police Department – July 2012 -