Police warning: Lock your car at ACL

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Music fans are gathering in Zilker Park this weekend for the Austin City Limits Music Festival.

So are car thieves.

At least that's the word from the Austin Police Department Auto Theft Interdiction Project, which is reminding festival-goers that thieves will be window-shopping this weekend.

In Texas, it takes five minutes for your vehicle to be stolen and a little more than two minutes for your vehicle to be burglarized, according to the officers assigned to the project.

Police said most of these crimes can be prevented if drivers will take a few extra moments to hide their belongings, lock their vehicles and take their keys. Some suggestions:

• Lock your car and take your keys – Half of all vehicles stolen in Texas are the result of drivers leaving their keys behind.
• Park in well-lit areas or attended lots – Over all half of all vehicle thefts occur at night. Auto thieves do not like witnesses and prefer unattended parking lots.
• Don’t leave valuables in plain view – don’t make your car a more desirable target and attract thieves by leaving valuables in plain sight.