Watch Your Car

July 2012 has been declared “Watch Your Car Month” by the Texas Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority (ABTPA), a division of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.  Every eight minutes, a car is stolen in Texas, and every two minutes, a vehicle is burglarized for contents or parts.  Unfortunately, many Texans believe they are immune to vehicle crimes because they live and work in “nice” or “safe” areas.  No one is immune, and these crimes can happen anywhere to anyone.  Making matters worse is the fact that auto theft and burglary often serve as “gateways” to the commission of additional, more heinous crimes.  The Texas ABTPA intends to heighten awareness about these facts among Texas drivers during “Watch Your Car Month” and educate vehicle owners about preventative measures that can be taken to avoid being victimized.