With auto-related crime surging across North Texas, many might be wondering what to do if thieves happen to target their vehicles.
Motor vehicle thefts and car break-ins dominated headlines throughout 2023 and show little chance of slowing down in 2024. In 2023, there were 18,783 reports of auto theft and 13,422 vehicle break-ins in Dallas, making them the first and third most prevalent crimes in the jurisdiction, according to the City’s crime analytics dashboard.
While there are several ways to help prevent becoming a target of such criminals, like installing an anti-theft device and keeping valuables out of sight, sometimes deterrents are not enough.
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) advises anyone whose vehicle has been stolen or broken into to contact the authorities as soon as possible. Have the vehicle identification number, title, and an accurate description of the stolen property ready in order to make a speedy police report.
Next, the DMV says that the vehicle’s insurance provider should be contacted to trigger any benefits included in the policy, such as a rental car. Making a report is especially important in the case of vehicle theft so the owner can avoid liability for any illegal activities the thieves may engage in while using the vehicle.
If there was any loss of personal property from within the vehicle, it is recommended that victims also contact their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance provider to file a claim. Vehicle insurance policies typically do not cover anything apart from the vehicle and its integral components.
As previously covered by The Dallas Express, the Dallas Police Department recently rolled out a new reporting procedure for auto theft that aims to speed up its initial response and get the vehicle’s plates into the national crime information system. The new procedure deploys limited-duty officers, who will make contact with victims via video calls.
DPD’s longstanding officer shortage remains a persistent issue, with just a dozen officers currently assigned to the auto theft unit. The department fields approximately 3,000 officers in Dallas despite a previous City report recommending 4,000.
Downtown Dallas has been bearing the brunt of this shortfall, with many of the city’s motor vehicle thefts occurring in the neighborhood, as covered by The Dallas Express. Meanwhile, nearby Fort Worth’s downtown area, which is patrolled by a dedicated police unit working alongside private security guards, receives significantly fewer reports of crime, including motor vehicle theft.
