Local law enforcement is calling attention to recent vehicle thefts

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Local law enforcement is calling attention to recent vehicle thefts.

Officials are encouraging people to lock their cars and pay attention to where they park.

The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office says there have been four vehicles stolen this year, the City of Bryan reported 18 vehicles have been stolen this year, and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office reported two vehicle thefts in just the past week.

KBTX spoke with College Station resident, Miguelangel Ponce, who got his car stolen Thursday night. Friday morning was a normal day for him until his aunt realized his car was missing.

“I was like there’s no way, I parked next to this other black car. And I stopped eating breakfast, went outside in my pajamas and I realized ‘Oh, she’s right’ it’s not there anymore,” said Ponce.

Miguel said he locked his vehicle and had his key with him.

Deputy Chris Searles with the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office, says sometimes locking your vehicle isn’t enough.

“There are apps people can buy key fobs, they can find key fobs and reprogram them if you’re smart enough and tech-savvy, you can reprogram key fobs and stuff, and then there’s the old breaking into the stereo column and rewiring it,” said Searles.

The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office says it’s not just cars. Trailers, motorcycles, and side-by-sides have been targeted recently, too.

“We’ve had four vehicles that have been stolen from out in the county. We’ve had multiple utility trailers, I think the last I read was four different utility trailers, we’ve had some side-by-sides and some dirt bikes that have been stolen,” said Searles.

Both the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office and the Bryan Police Department recommend always locking your car and never leaving the keys or valuables inside your vehicle.