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AUTOMOBILE THEFT
 Auto Theft Task Force

Tim Curry
Criminal District Attorney
     
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Tarrant County has been a state-wide leader in reducing vehicle theft. The Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office participates in the Tarrant County Auto Theft Task Force, which operates under the umbrella of the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department. Fifteen separate agencies, including eleven local city law enforcement agencies, participate in the Task Force. An investigator commissioned by our office serves as the Task Force’s commander, and a litigation specialist is assigned to process and coordinate civil court filings and other vital tasks.
 
The Task Force operates under a grant from the Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority and with local support. The program received recognition at the annual conference of the International Association of Chiefs of Police in 1996, 1997, and 1998.
 

Ways to Guard Against Auto Theft
Take Your Keys
One out of every five vehicles stolen had the keys in it. Lock Your Car. Approximately half of all vehicles stolen were left unlocked.
Never Hide a Second Set of Keys in Your Car
 Extra keys can easily be found if a thief takes time to look.
Park in Well-Lighted Areas and Attended Lots when possible
 Auto thieves do not like witnesses and prefer unattended parking lots.
If You Park in an Attended Lot, Leave Only the Ignition/Door Key
If your trunk and glove box use the same key as the door, have one of them changed. Don't give the attendant easy access to your glove box and trunk. Upon returning, check the tires, spare and battery to insure they are the same as those you had when you parked.
Never Leave Your Car Running
 Vehicles are commonly stolen at convenience stores, gas stations, ATM's, etc. Many vehicles are also stolen on cold mornings when the owner leaves the vehicle running to warm up. Leaving your key in an unattended motor vehicle is a crime in Texas punishable by a fine of up to $200
Completely Close Car Windows When Parking
Don't make it any easier for the thief to enter your vehicle.
Don't Leave Valuables in Plain View
Don't make your car a more desirable target for thieves by leaving valuables in plain sight.