Preventing Auto Burglary and Theft

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2017, more than three-quarters of a million vehicles were stolen in the United States—and nearly half of those thefts were due to driver error. The University of Texas Police at Houston (UT Police) encourages you to participate in your safety by securing your vehicle and the valuables inside.

There are numerous devices that make it difficult for thieves to steal or enter your vehicle.

• Audible and Visible Devices: These devices, such as a horn alarm, deter theft by bringing attention to an unauthorized attempt to steal or enter a vehicle. Visible devices create a visual threat/warning/deterrence, such as the use of steering-wheel locks, as well as theft-deterrent decals, flashing lights, and window etching.
• Immobilizing-Type Devices: These prevent thieves from bypassing a vehicle’s ignition system and hot-wiring the vehicle. Some incorporate computer chips in ignition keys or disable the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine.
• Vehicle Recovery Systems: These devices use electronic transmission technology that help law enforcement reveal the location of stolen vehicles—and possibly catch the thief in the act.

What should you do if you are a victim of vehicle theft or burglary?

• Contact UT Police at (713) 792-2890 or call your local law enforcement agency immediately. You may be asked to provide your vehicle information, such as the license plate number; make, model and color of your vehicle; Vehicle Identification Number and any identifying characteristics of your vehicle.
• Contact your insurance company to file a claim.

UT Police has compiled a printable document of auto burglary prevention tips and may be accessed from the General Campus Safety web page.