In just five days, Brownwood Police state that they have responded to 16 car burglaries in the area.  Typical items stolen include purses, wallets, jewelry, cash, credit and debit cards, a stereo, iPods, and identification cards.

These burglaries have occurred in mostly unlocked cars but also have included the smashing of windows to steal visible objects of value.  The location of the burglaries have been spread across Brownwood and include locations on Slayden Street, 11th Street, E. Commerce, 4th Street, W. Anderson, 7th Street, Stewart Street, Davis Lane, Bowie Circle, Hillsboro and Sharon Street.

Brownwood Police reports indicate that this could be a case of organized criminal activity involving three men.  The suspects have been using the stolen credit cards in both the Stephenville and Brownwood areas.  An investigation is underway and police are following some strong leads according to BPD officials.

“Brownwood Police Department is actively following up on numerous leads,” stated Brownwood Assistant Chief James Fuller.  “We do fully expect to make an arrest.”

The public is reminded to please utilize the following auto burglary prevention tips:

• Keep your vehicles secured by locking doors and rolling up windows when you leave your vehicle.
• Activate your vehicle’s security system.
• Get items of value out of plain sight if they have to be left in cars.  Trunks are a good place to put valuables when you cannot keep them with you.  Remember, it takes only a few seconds for a thief to break in and steal valuables left in plain sight.
• Stow items out of sight before you arrive at your destination.  Experienced thieves often stake out parking lots or parking garages.
• Don’t leave your keys in the vehicle no matter how good they are hidden as chances are a thief has already thought of that hiding place.
• Trust your instincts, if something seems suspicious, park somewhere else.  Call local law enforcement or parking attendants regarding suspicious activity.  By reporting suspicious activity to the proper authorities, you can help prevent others from becoming a victim of a car burglary or another crime.

Most vehicle burglaries are “crimes of opportunity”; they could have been avoided had simple preventative steps been taken.

“Take a moment to look at your car, see what a criminal will see,” advised Fuller.