East Texas police officers discuss how to prevent car thefts

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – Law enforcement is still investigating a series of car break-ins that occurred over the past month in several counties including Hopkins, Shelby, Panola, Nacogdoches and Rusk. The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office published a post saying the same people may have committed burglaries in other East Texas counties earlier this month.

Andy Erbaugh, public information officer for the Tyler Police Department, said car thefts are often more common during the holidays. He advised East Texans to lock their cars and hide their valuables to reduce the risk of their car being broken into. If you’re at home, Erbaugh recommends leaving lights on outside or installing motion lights.

“Criminals like to operate in the dark,” Erbaugh said.

“The thing about vehicle thefts like this is that they are often crimes of opportunity,” said Tim Monzingo, public information officer for the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office. “Someone stealing sees an unlocked car or valuable item in a front seat, console, dashboard or something similar, and if the vehicle is unlocked, they simply reach in and grab the item.”

Erbaugh also recommended not becoming complacent. “Most people don’t think about being a victim until they become a victim.”

If you believe your car has been broken into or ransacked, contact the local police.

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