Bogata and Deport residents have seen an increase in the number of thefts from vehicles, with over 60 reported incidents in the past week.
“All of the thefts are occurring during hours of darkness. Items that are being taken range from purses and wallets to backpacks and miscellaneous clothing, cash, coins from the cup holders, and even firearms,” said Red River County Constable Shawn Roden.
Roden and officers from the Bogata Police Department (including reserve officers) have increased patrol in the area, hoping to catch the thieves.
The Bogata Police Department has asked citizens with surveillance cameras, game cameras, or RING cameras that were recording specifically between the hours of 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on June 28 to contact the department at 903-272-0362 or 903-626-0772.
While officers work to catch the thieves, Roden shared tips to keep your possessions in your vehicle from being stolen.
-Do not leave items in plain sight inside their vehicles. Even if the item has no value to you, it has value to a thief, and it could cost you the price to replace your windows. Even placing items in the trunk is not a guarantee to prevent theft. It is never a good idea to leave a firearm in a vehicle…read that again!
– Remember, a theft from a vehicle can take only seconds to accomplish, so here are a few additional tips to think about when it comes to the security of your vehicle and belongings:
– Do not leave recent purchases with receipts in the car. Burglars have been known to steal gifts and return them to the store for a cash refund.
– Do not leave items, valuable or not, visible in your car. Even a gym bag left in the car can look inviting. Take out all diaper bags, gym bags, shopping bags, backpacks, or anything else that looks like it could be of value.
– Close all windows and lock all doors before leaving.
– Do not leave garage door openers in parked vehicles. Burglars have been known to steal garage door openers and use them to make entry inside garages and houses.
– Don’t think your dark tinted windows will hide your valuables. Thieves often use flashlights to see through the tint.
“Lastly, CALL IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SUSPICIOUS.”