SAN ANTONIO – Alejandro Garcia is facing a frustrating problem: his car has been broken into three times already this year. Imagine having your personal space invaded like that multiple times. “Once it was twice in one week,” Garcia shared. “It’s just disheartening. It makes you mad.”
Garcia lives on the Southwest Side of San Antonio, near the busy intersection of Interstate 35 and West Ansley Boulevard. Each time his car has been targeted, the windows were smashed, and valuable parts were either damaged or stolen. After dealing with the high costs of repairs, he’s calling on the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) for help.
“It’s costing anywhere from $800 to $1200 to fix,” he said. That’s a huge amount, especially for someone trying to manage a budget. “It’s very frustrating when you live on a budget, and you’re trying to move forward in life … something has to happen about it.”
Lizzandra Trevino, a public information officer for SAPD, noted that vehicle thefts, break-ins, and vandalism are issues affecting various neighborhoods across San Antonio. “It happens in all parts of San Antonio,” she explained, highlighting that crime isn’t limited to just one area of the city.
Criminals often target cars for their contents, which can include anything from laptops and jewelry to firearms. When asked how SAPD is addressing these crimes, Trevino mentioned their proactive measure of conducting regular patrols. “Definitely, what we do is we just do a lot of patrol bys.”
To keep your vehicle safe, SAPD advises residents to always lock their cars, store valuable items out of sight, and promptly report any crimes. Data from SAPD indicates that between January and March of this year, vehicle thefts have actually decreased by about 16% compared to the same time last year. That’s a positive sign!
Interestingly, the most stolen vehicles in San Antonio last month were Ford F-Series pickups, Hyundai Elantras, and Chevrolet Silverados. If you own one of these models, it might be wise to take additional precautions.
In conclusion, while vehicle break-ins can be distressing and costly, being proactive and aware can help minimize the risk. Stay informed, stay safe, and look out for each other in the community!
