TERRELL, Texas — The Terrell Police Department is reminding citizens of the “hide, lock, and take” practice which helps prevent crime in the wake of a city-wide surge in burglary of motor vehicles — a majority of which were unlocked vehicles.
TERRELL, Texas — The Terrell Police Department is reminding citizens of the “hide, lock, and take” practice which helps prevent crime in the wake of a city-wide surge in burglary of motor vehicles — a majority of which were unlocked vehicles.
“Most cities typically experience higher burglary motor vehicle (BMV) rates during this time of the year,” stated Terrell Police Department Captain A.D. Sansom. “Our city is no different.” “However, over the last few weeks Terrell Police have recorded a significant increase in BMVs, 84% of which targeted unlocked vehicles with loose items lying in plain sight,” he said. “The Terrell Police would like to remind everyone how the simple act of "Hide, Lock & Take" can have a tremendous impact on our crime.”
The Terrell Police Department typically receives between five and 10 reports of BMVs city-wide during a months time, according to Sansom. In September, the department received eight BMV reports.
“However, beginning in early October, police observed a significant spike in the number of these offenses.,” stated Sansom. “Despite police efforts to saturate neighborhoods with extra patrols, complicated by other call-load responsibilities, by the end of October, the department had received 29 reports of BMV offenses.”
Sansom says the trend continued into November forcing police to change tactics and deploying officers in unmarked police vehicles.
The strategy paid off on November 4 when two patrol officers in an unmarked car arrested two late-teen adults who were walking in a residential area carrying stolen items from nearby unlocked vehicles.
“These suspects are believed to be responsible for a large number of these offenses and additional arrests are pending,” stated Sansom.
Since the Nov. 4 arrests, police have only received one BMV report city-wide.
Sansom says the department is seeking warrants for additional suspects on a number of other offenses.
Terrell Police Department Chief Jody Lay and Sansom are asking citizens to practice “Hide, Lock, & Take” in order to harden these targets for opportunistic crime.
“Police are frustrated with the fact citizens continue to leave valuables in cars without locking car doors and without taking or hiding their belongings,” stated Sansom.
38 of the BMV reports between September and November 11 involved unlocked vehicles, he said.
"Don't become a crime stat," stated Lay.
“Some crimes are difficult to prevent, but BMV from an unlocked car is simple,” Sansom stated.
Please consider the following tips:
• Hide your things, Lock your car, and Take your keys.
• Keep extra towels or blankets in the car. Cover up anything of value or that could be mistaken as valuable. Thieves are more likely to see something and break in on impulse than pre-meditate a target.
• Keep mail, receipts, and other identification hidden in a safe place (identity thefts are at an all-time high with advancements in technology)
And here is how you can help others do the same:
• If you are a business, post Hide, Lock, Take signs around the parking lot to remind customers to take precautions. It shows that you care. Also, consider posting a sign right by the entrance or in a common waiting area for those waiting for a table or appointment.
• Businesses can go to www.hidelocktake.com and obtain the “Vehicle Rating Cards” and distribute to necessary. The cards alert vehicle owners regarding Hide Lock Take, as well as remind them about this preventative action in the future.
For more information or to purchase your sign for $12.50 from the Terrell Police Department in support of Hide, Lock, and Take, contact Officer Kenneth Moore (972) 551-6622.
Anyone with information concerning a crime is encouraged to contact the Kaufman County Crime Stoppers at (877) 847-7522 or online at http://kaufmancountycrimestoppers.org.
