Leaving-the-door-unlocked days are gone

MARBLE FALLS, Texas (KXAN) - Petty crime is not unusual in a city like Marble Falls. With a population below 10,000, it is enough to keep police busy. But a recent spike in thefts from vehicles is almost overwhelming the department.

"Lock you car door," warned police Capt. Floyd Goodwin. "People are used to leaving the doors unlocked, the keys inside. You just can't do that anymore."

Just this week, police have responded to 18 cases of thefts from vehicles. Since late March, there have been nearly 30. This sudden increase leads Goodwin to believe the crimes might be connected.

He said many residents have the wrong idea about Marble Falls. Just because it is a smaller city than Austin does not mean you can trust everyone.

For example, Emiliana and Walter Mora were victims of a car theft recently. Thieves stole a $250 stereo out of their car. They are just another victim of what the police are calling a "crime of opportunity." All but one of the victims did not lock their doors.

Hill Country Area Crime Stoppers said that criminals are making their way to this area because they are desperate during the economic recession. Janie Prew, a coordinator for the group, pointed out two recent armed robberies in Burnet County as perfect examples of crimes rarely but recently committed.

"I expect to see more of this type of crime in the near future," said Prew.

But, for these Hill Country siblings:

"Yeah, we definitely got to start locking out stuff here," said Walter Mora.