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Car Break-Ins On The Rise In West Lake Hills


Car break-ins are on the rise in the Austin-area. West Lake Hills is the latest to be swept with auto crime. Recently the West Austin community has had more than 20 car break-ins, and six of those have been on Eanes Independent School District grounds.

Police said when victims leave cars unlocked it is crime of opportunity for thieves.

Sergeant Donny Torres with the West Lake Hills Police Department said 95 percent of car break-ins happen because doors are left unlocked.

"They will try parts of Austin, and wherever they get the most success, that's where they are going to hit," Torres said.

Austin resident Bridgette Hallowell is a recent victim. After she left her car unlocked, it was broken into at her son's school.

"It's very scary," Hallowell said. "You don't want to ever think there is anyone other than a parent or teacher on your child's campus."

Sergeant Torres said this type of crime happens in a matter of minutes. Torres said the best way to prevent this crime is to never leave anything out in sight with any value, always put valuables in the trunk before you arrive, and always lock the doors.

"If it's unlocked they are going in it takes about two-to-three minutes and they are out," Torres said.

By Cassie Gallo