Burnet car theft simulation

July is “Watch your Car Month”, and Burnet Police Department took extra steps today to show drivers the dangers of leaving your car running or unlocked unattended.

The Heart of Texas Theft Task Force felt the best way to get a point across to the public was to demonstrate themselves how easily a car could be stolen.

They put together a simulation showing people how quickly someone can slither their way into your car when you leave it running or unlocked.

“People a lot of times get out of the convenience stores and shops and leave their keys in the ignition and the car running,” said Steve Savoy the Heart of Texas Auto Task Force. “And today’s recreation was showing how quickly it can happen.”

According to the Texas Mobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority, almost half of all vehicles stolen had the key lefts inside.

“We’re just trying to educate people,” said Savoy. “The first step in protecting your property is to remove the keys, lock the vehicle, and hide any valuables.”

Texas is one of the leading car theft states. In fact, according to the Texas Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention, one vehicle is stolen in Texas every eight minutes and one vehicle is burglarized in Texas every two minutes