AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Police said it made four arrests recently after two separate car break-ins, according to a press release from the agency on Monday.
The first case happened near Zilker Park on July 16.
Around 3:20 p.m. that day, 911 callers reported “a group of individuals breaking into vehicles.” The officers followed up on information provided by witnesses and stopped a vehicle, which APD’s release claims to have been occupied by the suspects.
Officers recovered allegedly stolen property from the car. The driver and a passenger were arrested at the scene and charged with burglary of a vehicle.
The other case detailed in APD’s press release was on Aug. 7, while APD’s North Metro Tactical Response Unit was in the middle of a “proactive enforcement operation” at Mayfield Park and at Mount Bonnell.
During that operation, officers saw a “suspicious vehicle” pull up to parked cars. Two men “discreetly” exited that vehicle and looked into the cars.
“The officers suspected that the occupants were searching for items of value inside the vehicles. Within a matter of minutes, the suspects moved multiple times within the small parking area to look into other cars,” APD’s release said.
The release said officers followed the car after it left the parking lot. Those officers, according to the release, reported they saw the driver allegedly commit several traffic violations. Those alleged infractions included “passing other vehicles unsafely, by-passing other vehicles, weaving through traffic, and traveling in the opposite lane.”
A traffic stop led to officers arresting the driver and a passenger. Both were charged with burglary of vehicle, and the driver was also charged with reckless driving.
Unless a defendant has two or more previous convictions for burglary of vehicle, it is a misdemeanor offense.
APD theft prevention tips
If you’ve been to a city of Austin park or just parked in one of its lots, you’ve likely seen signs warning about theft.
“Remove valuables from your car. Take keys with you. Lock your car doors,” these signs state.
The Monday press release from APD also offered additional advice:
- Make sure windows are rolled up;
- If you can’t take valuables with you, hide them;
- Park in well-lit and populated areas;
- Use anti-theft devices, such as steering wheel locks, alarms and GPD trackers; and,
- Be vigilant for suspicious activity when parking or returning to your car.