Car thieves gear up for hottest month

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Not only is it hot in July, but police said it’s also the "hottest" month for car thieves.

The summer months in Texas have been proven to be the most popular times for car break-ins and stolen cars, police said. For this reason, the Texas Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority has launched "‘Watch Your Car Month" in July.

It takes five minutes for thieves to snag a car and only 2 1/2 minutes to break into it, according to police.

"We want to get out there and educate people and give them some free things they can do to off set the risk of their car being stolen," said Officer Joshua Visi of Austin Police Department.

Authorities said they cannot stress enough to Texas drivers that they hold the key to prevent car break-ins and stolen cars.

Being aware of things they can do to prevent these crimes, as well as the anti-theft devices available to protect their vehicles, such as kill switches and VIN etchings, will help deter thieves and make the community safer, according to APD.

During Watch Your Car Month, Austin police will be offering people programs that will promote awareness.

Police will be etching vehicle identification numbers (VIN) for free on the car's window, and other auto theft programs will be available too.

Tips from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

• Hide your valuables. Items of value left in sight make your car a bigger target.
• Take your keys, and never leave another set in your vehicle. Some 20 percent of stolen vehicles have spare keys left in them making it easier for thieves.
• Lock your car. Almost half of all stolen vehicles are left unlocked by owners.
• Park in well-lit or heavily-trafficked areas. Thieves are less likely to break into cars if a lot of people are around.
• Never leave your car running unattended. Cars are often stolen at convenience stores, gas stations or when owners leave cars running to warm them up.
• Install a anti-theft device. Many insurance companies may give discounts for certain anti-theft devices. Check with your agent for details.

It's not just nice cars thieves are after --  anyone and everyone can be a target.

"When your vehicle is stolen it's not for the value of the car itself; it's stolen for the parts and pieces, the value of the parts and pieces," Visi said.

Tuesday, APD set up shop at the Barton Creek Square mall, offering to etch vehicle identification numbers (VIN) on all the windows of cars to any drivers who wanted to register.

"An auto burglar is going to see that and move on from those vehicles," Visi said. "They don't want to have to take glass out of a door assembly or rear quarter panel assembly they want to sale those parts as whole as possible."

Katie Clayton stopped by to get her car's VIN etched, after learning of her friend's misfortune.

"I had some friends who recently had their car stolen down at Barton Creek Springs while they were swimming," Clayton said, "so I thought this would be a good way to deter people from stealing my car."

Not only can VIN etching keep a driver from filling out a police report but it can also save some cash.

APD said insurance companies oftentimes will give the owner of an etched vehicle a discount on auto insurance costs -- a little added incentive to protect a car.

APD will offer free vehicle VIN etching every month.

If you would like to know the next time and location you can visit: APD VIN etching