Three cars stolen from Woodcreek North

Three vehicles were stolen overnight from a small area in Woodcreek North last week.

In the early morning hours of June 2, the three cars were stolen and multiple cars were burglarized. There were at least seven calls that morning into the Hays County Sheriff’s Office from property owners reporting issues ranging from trespassing, theft or burglary of a motor vehicle.

The sheriff’s office said that the cases are still under investigation.

“They appear to all be related, and each vehicle burglarized was unlocked or was accessed by keys retrieved from an unlocked vehicle,” Hays County Sheriff’s Officer Mark Andrews said. “Those vehicles stolen were unlocked with keys left in them.

“The Sheriff’s Office has seen crime sprees like this before where several suspects will walk a neighborhood and simply check door handles for unlocked vehicles.”

SHERIFF SUGGESTIONS TO PROTECT PROPERTY

In recent weeks there have been numerous vehicle burglaries reported throughout Hays County. Most, if not all, of these burglaries occurred on unlocked or unsecured vehicles.

In some cases, garage door openers were taken. It is important for those affected by these thefts to change garage door codes and securely lock the interior door of the garage.

Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler wants to remind citizens to ensure vehicles are locked and secured when unattended. Below are some tips to follow to better secure your vehicles and valuables.

• Do not leave valuable items visible in your car.

• Close all windows and lock all doors before leaving your vehicle.

• When not at home, park in well-lit, heavily populated areas.

• Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, find another place to park.

• Avoid parking next to occupied vehicles in public parking areas.

• Be aware of your surroundings.

• Make a copy of your registration and insurance, and keep them in your wallet or purse. Then remove all forms of identification from your vehicle. Anyone with permission to drive your vehicle should also have a copy of the registration and insurance with them to furnish to the police if necessary.

• Do not leave garage door openers or keys in parked vehicles.

• If you see any suspicious activity or individuals, please contact the Hays County Sheriff’s Office immediately when you feel safe to do so by dialing 9-1-1 or 512-393-7896.

• Don’t think your dark tinted windows will hide your valuables. Thieves often use flashlights to see through the tint.

• If you are parking your vehicle for several days check on it periodically.