According to the Texas Auto Theft Prevention Authority, a car is stolen every 25 seconds in the United States, with most being stolen during the last half of the year. Greenspoint Stopping Auto Theft (GSAT), a program of the Greater Greenspoint District, is hosting an on-site auto inspection event on Friday, November 25, from 10:30 a.m. – 2: 30 p.m. at Greenspoint Mall. Law enforcement officers will be on-hand to check your vulnerability for auto and identity theft.
 
Greenspoint accounts for only four percent of Harris County’s auto thefts. Do your part to help keep our community safe. Here are some other simple tips that can keep you from being a victim this holiday season:

• Always lock your car and remove your keys. Fifty percent of the cars that are stolen are unlocked and 20 percent have keys left in the ignition.
• Never leave your car running. Vehicles are commonly stolen at convenience stores, gas stations, or even at home. Leaving your vehicle unattended with the key in the ignition is a crime in Texas.
• Park in well-lighted areas. Over half of all vehicle thefts occur at night.
• Don’t leave valuables in plain sight. Shopping bags, cell phones and laptop computers left in plain view attract thieves to a vehicle.
• Use auto-theft deterrents. Car alarms and other devices further reduce the likelihood of a vehicle being stolen.

For more tips on how to protect your vehicle, call 1-800-CAR-WATCH or visit www.txwatchyourcar.com. If you witness any suspicious activity that could be related to auto theft in the north Houston/Greenspoint area, report it to the GSAT tip line at 281-875-4167.