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DPS arrests juvenile driving stolen truck used to hit trooper vehicle
DPS troopers and Austin police officers took over a Walmart parking lot in South Austin Tuesday night after a trooper spotted a reported stolen truck.
AUSTIN, Texas - DPS troopers and Austin police officers took over a Walmart parking lot in South Austin Tuesday night after a trooper spotted a reported stolen truck.
DPS said on scene when the trooper approached the pick-up, the suspect put the truck in reverse and struck another DPS vehicle attempting to run away. The juvenile was immediately arrested and the stolen truck taken away for evidence.
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Auto theft is a high property crime in the Austin area. According to APD’s 2018 crime preliminary report, there were 2,538 reported auto thefts. The most frequently stolen vehicles were Ford F150's, Honda motorcycles and Toyota Camry’s.
Camille Garcia with the Insurance Council of Texas said most vehicle property crimes are crimes of opportunity. Car owners often leave cars running or doors unlocked.
"That's all it takes a minute, two minutes in order for a thief to come in and take something from the car or take the car itself," Garcia said.
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ICT has partnered up with local police departments to post signs that read “Hide, Lock, Take” in high populated areas reminding drivers to hide valuables, lock your doors and take your keys. Small preventative methods Garcia says work.
"They have seen anecdotally and statistically a reduction of sometimes up to 20-percent in the reduction of car thefts and auto burglaries," said Garcia.
Law enforcement is still investigating how the truck in Tuesday night's incident was stolen and is advising car owners to be proactive in protecting their vehicles.