CASTLE HILLS, Texas – The holiday season brings out desperate criminals looking to make a quick buck and they’re targeting vehicles and homes in the area.
Castle Hills Police Chief Select Johnny Siemens said criminals are looking for quick and easy opportunities. Police are bracing for an increase in burglary of a vehicle calls, and Siemens is increasing his staff and patrols around district businesses.
“Opportunistic criminals will strike anywhere, anytime,” he said.
KSAT 12 News checked three major shopping centers. Information obtained from the San Antonio Police Department crime map shows car break-ins doubled last year from November to December.
At Northstar Mall, there were around 11 reports of car break-ins in November 2016. That number jumped to 21 in December. At Southpark Mall, the number went from four in November to eight in December. And at The Rim, the number jumped from about 16 to 34.
“It’s amazingly fast how quick folks can get in and out of a car, even if they have to break a window,” Siemens said.
Home burglaries are also expected to go up around the holidays, as crooks look for shiny prizes.
“Christmas trees look fantastic in the window, but it’s important not to put the gifts out there until the night before so that you don’t invite criminals into your home,” Siemens said.
Those expecting packages should ask a neighbor to be on the lookout and take care of your package. Mailboxes filled with money, checks or gift cards in the Christmas cards also tend to lure thieves.
Siemens said it’s important to be on the lookout, and if you notice something suspicious, you’re asked to call police.