Auto Theft Prevention

Auto Theft: Just the Facts

• The average value of a stolen motor vehicle is $4,808.00.
• The ten most stolen vehicles in the U.S. are at least 4-years-old
• Half of all vehicle thefts occur from homes. Other "hot" spots include malls, shopping centers, apartments, churches, and office buildings.
• Nearly half of all stolen vehicles were left unlocked, and approximately 20 percent are stolen with the keys still in the ignition.
• More than two-thirds of all auto thefts occur at night
• It can take an expert auto thief as little as seven seconds and one screwdriver to break into a vehicle, and less than a minute to drive away.
• Approximately 200,000 of the vehicles stolen nationwide each year are exported to other countries; approximately 20,000 of those go to Mexico
• An estimated 25 percent of all vehicle thefts involve insurance fraud.
• Anti-theft devices can stop the amateur and slow the professional auto thief.

"No Cost" Precautions

• Take your keys.
• Lock your car.
• Never hide a second set of keys in your car.
• Park in will-lighted areas, when possible.
• Park in attended lots, when possible.
• If you park in an attended lot, leave only your ignition/door key.
• Never leave your car running, even if you'll only be gone for a minute.
• Completely close car windows when parking.
• Don't leave valuables in plain view.
• Park with your wheels turned toward the curb.
• If your vehicle is rear-wheel drive, back into your driveway
• Always use your emergency brake when parking.
• If you have a garage, use it.
• When parking in a garage, lock the garage door and your vehicle.
• Don't leave garage door openers in your vehicle.
• Don't leave the registration or title in your car.
• Disable your vehicle when leaving it unattended for an extended period.
• Replace "T"-shaped door locks with straight locks.
• Stolen cars/parts are more easily traced when vehicle identification numbers (VIN) have been etched on car windows and major parts.
• Engrave expensive accessories
• Register your vehicle with the Texas H.E.A.T. Program.

Help End Auto Theft (H.E.A.T)

Texas Help End Auto Theft (H.E.A.T.) Is a voluntary statewide vehicle registration program designed as a theft deterrent. Vehicle owners can sign an agreement with the Kirby Police Department stating that their vehicle is not normally used between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.. If peace officers observe the participating vehicle being driven anywhere in Texas during those hours, they may stop the vehicle as a felony stop, and verify ownership.

Owners can grant additional authority at the time of registration to have their vehicle stopped any time of the day if it is being driven from Texas into Mexico. Registration is for a period of four (4) years.

To register your vehicle in the H.E.A.T program, you must present the following information:

• the vehicle to be registered
• the certificate of title (or a copy)
• a valid driver's license
• the vehicle registration proof of insurance receipt
• a telephone number where the vehicle owner may be reached between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.

To withdraw from the program or transfer possession of the vehicle, the owner must fully remove the Texas H.E.A.T. decal and notify the registering agency in writing of such removal.

The Kirby Police Department has been actively participating in the H.E.A.T. program since 1999. Anyone wanting to register a vehicle in the H.E.A.T. program needs to come to the Kirby Police Department with the proper documentation on the vehicle and the vehicle will be registered in the program.

Get A Jump On Car jacking

Car jacking - stealing a car by force - has captured headlines across the country. Statistically your chances of being a car jacking victim in this area are slim, and preventive actions you take can reduce your risk even more.

Reduce Your Chances of Being Car jacked

Getting In
Walk with purpose and stay alert. Approach your car with the key in hand. Look around and inside the car before getting in.

On the Road
Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up, no matter how short the distance or how safe the area. Look around, especially at places where you slow down or stop, such as garages and parking lots, intersections, self-serve gas stations and car washes, highway entry and exit ramps, and ATMs. When you are coming to a stop, leave enough room to maneuver around other cars, especially if you sense trouble and need to get away. Avoid driving alone. Travel with someone if possible, especially at night. Don't stop to assist a stranger whose car is broken down. Help instead by driving to the nearest phone and calling police to help.

Getting Out
Park in well lighted areas, near sidewalks or walkways. Avoid parking near dumpsters, woods, large vans or trucks, or anything else that limits your visibility. Never leave valuables in plain view, even if the car is locked. Put them in the trunk or out of sight.

If It Happens To You
If the carjacker threatens you with a gun or other weapon, give up your car. Don't argue. Your life is worth more than a car.

Get Away As Quickly As Possible
Tell the police immediately.

Why Car jacking

No one knows for certain, but some explanations include:

It's a crime of opportunity - a thief searching for the most vulnerable prey. Sometimes it's the first step in another crime.

For some young people, car jacking may be a rite of passage, a status symbol, or just a thrill.

Cars, especially luxury models, provide quick cash for drug users and other criminals

Sophisticated alarms and improved locking devices make it harder for thieves to steal unoccupied cars.

It's easy to buy, steal, or barter for guns in this country. And a pointed gun makes a powerful threat.

More teens and adults commit crimes of violence than ever before.

Intense media interest may have created "copycat" carjackers.