Car theft increased in the city of Dallas by 33 percent. According to recent reports from the Dallas Police Department, 943 stolen cars were reported in January 2022 alone, while 701 were reported in January 2021: 242 more stolen cars in the same period.
Leaving the car running while entering a convenience store or leaving it without insurance are two of the main causes of car theft in this Texas city.
“In summer people leave the air conditioning and the car on, they go into the store and when they return the car is gone, in winter they turn on the heating, they go up to their house and when they return the car has also disappeared,” says Juan Fernández , spokesman for the Dallas Police.
The officer advises putting an alarm system or GPS on the vehicle, which could help recover the vehicle in the event of a theft.
“You can install a security system in your car with an alarm to prevent theft or a GPS to help find it,” adds Fernández.
What about stolen cars? The police point out that it is important to report the theft to the authorities, because in some cases with a police report and a description of the vehicle it is possible to recover it. In other occasions it is not possible, since it is frequent that the cars are used to sell it for parts or abroad.
Fort Worth police officer Daniel Segura, who explains that often leaving visible objects inside the car is a incentive for criminals.
“Many items that we do not have a value, for example coins or a bag can attract the attention of the thief and steal more than the car itself.”
How to prevent theft?
Don’t forget to insure your car.
Don’t leave valuables in your car.
Don’t leave an extra key in the car.
Don’t leave the windows down.
Do not park your car in lonely and poorly lit places.
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