DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
MEADOWLAKES — According to state statistics, a vehicle is burglarized every two minutes in Texas. And alleged thieves in Meadowlakes managed to bolster that statistic when they targeted at least 16 vehicles Dec. 19.
Burglaries made off with cash, credit cards and even a firearm.
Investigator Stephen Savoy of the Heart of Texas Auto Theft Task Force said Burnet County deputies responded to Meadowlakes after several people reported vehicle break-ins. And each of the cars had one thing in common.
“All of the cars were all unlocked,” Savoy said.
The investigator said it looked as if a burglar or burglars took items from eight vehicles.
“And there was at least eight other cars that showed signs of being entered, but nothing was apparently taken,” Savoy said.
Savoy and Meadowlakes officials are urging residents to remove valuables from their vehicles when leaving them unaccompanied and locking the doors.
But Savoy said that advice isn’t just for Meadowlakes residents, but for everybody.
“Locking you car door doesn’t mean they won’t break the window or pop the lock, but it definitely makes it more difficult,” Savoy said. “Most burglaries like these are crimes of opportunity. They walk along trying car doors, if it’s unlocked they get in.”
Along with locking vehicles at a residence, Savoy added it’s equally important to do it while out shopping or running errands.
“It only takes a few seconds for somebody to try a (car) door and get in and out,” he said.
Anybody with information regarding the Meadowlakes car burglaries should call the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office at (512) 756-8080 or the Hill Country Area Crime Stoppers at 1-866-756-TIPS (8477).
daniel@thepicayune.com
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