While our neighborhoods remain very safe, vehicle burglaries are continuing to occur with some frequency. Purses, wallets, jewelry, watches, laptop computers, sports equipment and handguns are just some of the items that are routinely left in plain sight for thieves to take. Here are some recent numbers to keep in mind:
Sixty vehicle burglaries were reported to UPPD from May 1 to August 16, including 23 cars and trucks parked in the Plaza at Preston Center. During this 108-day span, 23 victims mentioned they didn’t lock their vehicle.
It just takes a moment to protect your possessions. When you leave your vehicle, even if it’s just for a few minutes, whether you are parked in your driveway, on the street, in a parking lot or in a parking garage, please take time to place your valuables in the trunk or at least hide them from view. If you are driving a vehicle that automatically collapses the side mirrors when it’s locked, make sure that function is enabled. Extended mirrors are a clear sign to thieves that a vehicle is unlocked, and that makes it a target. Lastly, whenever you exit your vehicle, in whatever community you are visiting, please remember to take your keys or key fob with you. If you don’t, you may have to ask someone for a ride home.
Electric bikes and pedestrian safety
Electric bikes are growing in popularity locally and across the country. Used by people of all ages and ability, traveling at a speed of about 20 miles an hour, riders now have an easy and relatively quick way to get from place to place. Although electric bikes and regular bikes are not prohibited from operating on City sidewalks, City ordinance requires all bikes to yield to pedestrians. That includes sidewalks that are in retail areas and those close to campus (HPISD and SMU).