Only Half of Shoppers Receive Passing BMV Report Cards

December 16, 2009 - Houston police officers were out in force on Tuesday (Dec. 15) handing out report cards and safety tips to shoppers at the HEB grocery store at 9711 Katy Freeway (Interstate Highway 10 West) near Bunker Hill, in an effort to make them aware of ways to prevent burglaries of their motor vehicles.

In just one hour, 300 BMV report cards were handed out. Officers found that at least 150 of the motorists had left their vehicles unlocked or had placed valuables such as cell phones, sunglasses, or even money in plain view. Photos of the operation are attached to this news release.

“We want to remind shoppers that even leaving the spiral cell phone charger cord in plain view is temptation enough for the criminals,” said HPD Sergeant Henry Hernandez. “Anything not hidden away just screams out ‘come and get me’,” he added.

HPD wants to remind all motorists, especially during the busy shopping season, to hide your valuables and lock your car.

In the “Safe Shopping Starts With YOU” campaign, five area grocery retailers (H-E-B, Kroger, Randalls, Fiesta and WalMart) partnered with the HPD to form the Greater Houston Loss Prevention Alliance aimed at reducing property crimes, keeping shoppers safer and lessening their chances of becoming victims.

The shopping safety tips can be found on the HPD Web site at www.houstonpolice.org .

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200 .