'Steal Me' banner to raise awareness

AUSTIN (KXAN) - In honor of "Watch Your Car" month in July, a new banner displaying a license plate with the words “Steal Me” on it now hangs on the east facing wall of the Austin Police Department Headquarters at 715 E. Eighth St.

State Farm Insurance donated the banner to APD’s Auto Theft Interdiction Project through the Greater Austin Crime Commission.

The banner is part of continuing efforts to raise awareness and reduce auto thefts and burglary of vehicles in the Austin area and throughout the state. Every year thousands of Texans become victims of vehicle-related crimes. These crimes can occur anywhere and anytime.

Auto crime is an organized crime that happens every two minutes in Texas, according to APD.

Auto and burglary thefts often occur in broad daylight at public places like the mall, the gym, movie theaters.

No driver is immune. Anyone can be a victim regardless of the type of car driven or the community where you reside. Auto crime accounts for millions of dollars in economic losses, which can lead to higher insurance rates for Texas drivers.

Tips to protecting a car from being stolen include:

• hide valuables so they cannot be seen from outside the vehicle
• lock the vehicle, making sure windows are rolled up
• take the keys -- do not leave them in the vehicle

The Auto Theft Interdiction Project programs are funded through the Texas Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority to reduce auto and burglary theft in Texas.