LPD Chief Rodriguez: Laredo's crime rise 'not alarming' compared to other cities

The city of Laredo has seen an increase in crime across the board, although local officials describe the difference as "not alarming."

Laredo Police Chief Miguel A. Rodriguez Jr. discussed the development recently during a “Watch Your Car” proclamation.

Laredo is not the only city experiencing this; the trend is being felt across the state and nation. However, Laredo is in a good spot compared to San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Houston, El Paso and Austin, the chief said.

Rodriguez feels confident as officers continue to arrest suspected car burglars and car thieves. LPD keeps an eye on vehicle burglaries because this type of crime can escalate into robberies, assaults or aggravated assault, according to Rodriguez.

Last year, police reported 271 stolen vehicles. This year to date, police are seeing an increase of about 20 more cars stolen. Not all vehicles are stolen and taken into Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

Instead, the stolen vehicles are more often cases of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle or taking the vehicle without consent. For example, a son taking the car from his mother without permission or spouses going through a divorce filing stolen vehicle reports on each other.

In these types of cases, officers do not enter the vehicle as stolen until the complainant decides to file charges.

“At the end of the day, it’s not alarming,” Rodriguez said. “We’re talking about 20 cars, 23 cars. But it’s not where they’re taking trucks into Mexico like we used to have in 2010, 2011. That’s why I am saying it’s not alarming. But at the end of the year, we’re going to have probably between a 5% or 7% increase. We’re still good compared to other cities.”

To deter crime, Rodriguez announced a $2.7 million grant to invest in technology. Police also continue to work with the Webb County District Attorney’s Office to target repeat offenders and expedite their cases.

Rodriguez said research shows repeat offenders are responsible for most of the burglaries. Currently, police have identified 12 repeat offenders.

LPD is also targeting false reports to police. In these cases, the offender files a stolen vehicle report, although they knew the vehicle was going to be used in illicit activity. The same goes for insurance fraud. People who cannot keep up with their car payments take their cars into Nuevo Laredo and report them as stolen, according to police.

Rodriguez reminded the public to lock their cars and take their valuables with them, including firearms. According to the chief, firearms are exactly what the criminal element is looking for. Rodriguez also reminded the community to take their key fobs with them.

“We are here to remind the public that we need their help. We need to make sure that they do those things, because at the end of the day, it’s going to be on the public and ourselves to reduce those numbers,” Rodriguez said.

Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino said everybody needs to get involved to keep Laredo one of the safest cities in the country.

“Always lock your car. Take your keys,” Trevino said. “Never leave your car unattended while it’s running. Park in a well-lit area. Take valuables when you are not in your vehicle. Keep them out of sight, and install an anti-theft alarm or device.

“We have an incredible police force under the leadership of Chief Rodriguez. However, let’s make their job easier by doing our part and protecting our property.”

Councilwoman Melissa Cigarroa said it is only fair to ask the public to assist, because this is a joint community effort to keep the city safe.

“We ask so much of our police department. Not only do they keep us safe, they are social workers, first responders,” Cigarroa said. “The mental health team is out in the field. We ask so much of them. I think it is incumbent upon us, the community, that we also assist to make our whole community safe.”