Katy Family Has Truck Stolen in Broad Daylight; Stolen Vehicles on the Rise

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

September 23, 2021

By Natalie Cook Clark

Katy area vehicles are being stolen at an increased rate. One family had their truck stolen from the Home Depot parking lot in Katy in broad daylight.

Pickup Truck Stolen Monday Afternoon

The Cabrera family had their pickup truck stolen from the Home Depot parking lot off of I-10 in Katy on Monday afternoon.

“It happened Monday around 4 p.m.,” says Vanessa Cabrera. Her husband went to buy paint and parked in the contractor pickup side of the lot.

“My husband went into Home Depot around 3:30 p.m. and walked out around 4 p.m. and the ruck was gone,” says Cabrera. They have filed a police report with Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

Sadly, they are not the only ones to experience such a theft. At this point in the year the greater Katy area is on track to having more stolen vehicles than last year.

Vehicle Theft on the Rise

According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, 426 vehicles were stolen from the Katy area last year. A lot of these vehicles were taken from businesses off of I-10. Authorities say that gives criminals an easy exit.

There was almost an 150 increase from 2019 to 2020.

This does not count vehicle break-ins, which are also on the rise especially with criminals being able to track devices with Bluetooth tracking technology.

Katyites can take steps to try and avoid being a victim.

“Always park in a well-lit area within camera view,” says Sergeant Eduardo Rivera, Special Investigation/Auto Theft with Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

“A secondary security device is recommended,” says Sgt. Rivera. “A small tracking device so that the vehicle can be located if stolen.”

• Always lock your vehicle and take your keys.

• Never leave your car running and unattended.

• Park in well-lit areas.

• Take valuables with you when you are not in your vehicle.

• Keep valuables out of sight

These tips are also useful for preventing vehicle break-ins. Read how criminals are using Bluetooth scanners and apps to track devices left in vehicles.

Always report vehicle break-ins and vehicle theft to your local authorities.

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