Temple Police reach out to businesses to deter vehicle thefts

Killeen Daily Herald
BY ERIC E. GARCIA | TELEGRAM CITY EDITOR
December 28, 2023

Temple officers are seeking help from local businesses to deter overnight car thefts.

The Temple Police Department has distributed handouts to Temple businesses that conduct overnight or early morning activity in the community.

“TPD developed handouts to share with two types of businesses, overnight and early morning garbage crews and newspaper delivery drivers,” Temple spokeswoman Megan Price said Thursday. “Approximately 25 handouts have been distributed. There has not been an identified target area for the theft of vehicles, but rather the make, which has been predominantly Kia or Hyundai.”

Earlier this week, a Temple officer met with Telegram newspaper carriers and urged them to report anything suspicious they see while out in the community.

Vehicle thefts — Kia and Hyundai models mostly — increased significantly within the past year, police said.

There were 11 vehicle thefts in 2022, compared to 26 vehicle thefts in 2023 through Thursday.

Temple police have distributed free steering wheel locks for Kai or Hyundai vehicles. Dozens of local residents went the department’s lobby in recent weeks and received a steering wheel lock after showing officers proof of residency.

Temple Police purchased 100 of the locks at a cost of $1,996 and received 96 free locks from Hyundai.

Temple resident Claudia Dickson said she was annoyed by the crime trend — and wanted to protect her vehicle.

“It’s not like they’re flashy cars or they’re selling them for parts,” Dickson told the Telegram last month. “They’re taking them just to be stupid, I guess.”

The police department does not have another steering wheel lock distribution event scheduled, Price said.

“The department will evaluate the recent two giveaway events and will determine the need in the future,” she said.

Temple Police said residents can take steps to reduce vehicle thefts.

“Residents can take several precautions in an effort to protect their vehicles, including investing in steering wheel locks, keeping their vehicles locked at all times, never leaving their vehicle unattended while it’s running, and avoiding parking on the street at night if possible,” Price said. “In addition, all valuables, key fobs, and firearms should be removed from the vehicle as well.”