KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
February 14, 2025
By Natalie Cook Clark
This week, several Katy residents took to social media to share overnight vehicle break-ins. Authorities say these crimes are neither up or down but break-in at local restaurant’s along the I-10 corridor are up.
Screen shot from video of George Huntoon's security camera.
Home security cameras caught multiple overnight vehicle break-ins this week in Katy. Vehicles from Kelliwood Estates to Elyson were impacted. Cameras in Elyson caught vehicles being checked out for targeting in Elyson until an unlocked vehicle was found. All vehicles impacted or this story were unlocked.
Two vehicles were both burglarized on the early morning of February 12, 2025. With so many going to report similar crimes on social media, many residents asked if these crimes are on the rise in Katy.
Break-Ins at Restaurants on the Rise
A spokesperson for Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct says that burglarized motorized vehicles (BMVs) at residences are neither down or up in occurrence. What is on the rise is BMVs in local restaurants off of I-10. Last night Precinct 5 responded to five break-ins at Cheddars.
Precinct 5 says that a lot of these thefts could be prevented if the restaurants did more. Most do not have cameras or security.
A resident in Kelliwood Estates had his 9 mm Glock 19 pistol stolen from his vehicle in Kelliwood Estates.
“The genius criminal didn’t realize I had Apple AirTags taped to the items he stole,” says Katy resident George Huntoon. “I woke up and looked at my security cameras, and then I looked at my app and saw that my gun was pinging at the house one straight away.”
Precinct 5 is actively investigating the crime. While cameras help, they are only really solve crimes if they have a clear image of the suspect.
Video footage provided by Mark Riley.
Mark Riley whose vehicle was burglarized in Elyson on the same night reached out to his community for residents to check their cameras for around 4:48 a.m. on February 12. Many neighbors responded sharing similar stories of their own burglaries.
Don't Be a Victim
Precinct 5 shares tips on how to protect your vehicle at home.
Lock Your Car: Make sure you lock your cars and trucks. Even if you live in a safe neighborhood, you should lock your cars when you are not inside of them.
Don’t Leave Your Gun: Do not leave firearms in your vehicles whether locked or unlocked.
No Bags: Do not leave any bags, backpacks or boxes in sight inside of your vehicle. If you can't bring them inside, put them in your trunk, out of sight.
Leave a Light On: Exterior lighting in your driveway is a strong deterrent. A bright light left on from dusk to dawn is best and is significantly more effective than lights activated by a motion sensor.
Cameras: A high quality camera is also a deterrent and is very helpful after a break-in has occurred. Position of the camera is important. Ideally it is positioned in the middle of the driveway and is focused down the driveway. It is worth spending more for a high-definition digital camera that records continuously.
Right now, the biggest theft risk is when eating out. According to authorities, this is a high target because victims will be away for an hour or more. It’s always smart to part near a light or by a spot that has high traffic.
While social media is a great outlet to share information, always reach out to local authorities and file a report.