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Texas leads nation in vehicle thefts

A 2016 Chevy Camaro was burglarized at the Harlow River Oaks apartments in southwest Houston, and the thief stole the owner's AirPods from the car. (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

Texas has taken the lead in a less-than-desirable category: the highest rate of thefts from motor vehicles.

According to a study by tinting-laws.com, which analyzed data from the FBI Crime Data Explorer, Texas reports an average of 42.01 thefts per 100,000 people each month in 2023. This translates to about 12,245 offenses monthly, with July being particularly troublesome, seeing a spike to 13,230 incidents.

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So, what’s going on in Texas? It seems that the Lone Star State isn’t just big but also large in the number of car break-ins.

The bustling cities, busy highways, and perhaps even the warm weather might be contributing factors, but the study doesn’t delve into the specifics. What is clear, though, is that vehicle owners in Texas need to be extra cautious.

In the Houston area alone, there have been records of at least 500 motor vehicle thefts from January 14 to February 13. Each green dot on the map represents one incident, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem in this metropolitan area. These numbers underscore the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures among Houston residents. (Photo/ LexisNexis RiskSolutions) (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

Michelle Rosenblum, a spokesperson for tinting-laws.com, offers some practical advice: β€œIt’s all about being vigilant,” she says. β€œMake sure your valuables aren’t in plain sight, lock your doors, and try to park in secure areas.” She also suggests that window tinting could be a handy deterrent, as long as it complies with state laws.

While Texas tops the list, it’s not alone. Washington and Colorado follow closely behind, but Texas’s numbers are a wake-up call for residents. Whether it’s the bustling urban areas or the vast rural stretches, Texans are encouraged to take extra precautions to protect their vehicles.


About the Author
Jyesha Johnson headshot

Jyesha Johnson, a Mississippi Delta girl who swapped small-town newsrooms for big-city screens at Houston’s KPRC 2, is all about telling storiesβ€”whether it’s on the web, social media, or over a good meal. When she’s not crafting content, you’ll find her outside soaking up nature or hunting down the best food spots.

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