Serial burglary suspect in custody

MARBLE FALLS, Texas (KXAN) - Dozens of car burglaries in the Hill Country might be solved. Marble Falls police believe their suspect could be connected to even more burglaries through Burnet County.

So far, 22-year-old Zachary Scott McCrory is charged with just a fraction of the nearly 30 auto burglaries in the city over the last few weeks. The bulk of those happened in the area around Morman Mill Road and Amy Circle.

"I keep my car in the garage," explained Barbara Walker. "But I lock it when I'm out."

Marble Falls Drivers like Barbara Walker are learning the days of leaving the car unlocked are over.

"I lock it up every time, even when I go to the grocery store."

It is a habit she has practiced for years, but one that took nearly 30 car burglaries for many others here to catch on.

"Often, I'll have my computer and different things in the car, so now I'm going to lock my car," said Marble Falls resident Beverly Gibbins. "I'm just too trusting, I guess."

"I think, in a small town, we have a position of people being more comfortable either leaving their cars unlocked," said Marble Falls resident Eddie Marsh. "Some people will leave their keys in their car, too."

Hill Country Area Crime Stoppers say what you value others will, too. It's why you saw that surge in such a short amount of time.

"With the economy the way it is, we do look for increase in crime," said Janie Prew of Hill Country Area Crime Stoppers. "They're going to get money any way they can."

And even if you lock your car, it might not be enough. During this latest crime spree, the thief cut through one car roof to get what he wanted. While Walker learned to lock up a long time ago, leaving her purse inside is a bad habit she says it's time to break.

"Yeah, I do," Walker said, laughing. "But I keep it hidden, so no one will know. But now (after this interview) they'll know."