Car Thefts Spike Has North Austin Residents On High Alert

NORTH AUSTIN, TX — Residents in North Austin are on high alert after a rash of vehicle break-ins in their neighborhoods, with some homeowners arming themselves with walkie talkies for late-night patrols in keeping others informed of suspicious activity, according to a published report.

Retreat at Tech Ridge HOA members in North Austin outlined their new routine to KXAN, which consists of coming home after work, taking a nap and then getting back up in the wee hours of the morning to patrol their neighborhoods in looking for car thieves. Upon spotting suspicious activity, the crime watchers will call 9-1-1 only to see suspects flee before police arrive, one member told the news station.

Home surveillance camera footage corroborates their perceptions of increased crime, with film of suspects opening car doors to remove contents, according to the report. Police stats also back up residents' claims, with the Austin Police Department logging more than 4,500 calls last year for burglary, theft or robbery incidents, the news station reported.

Typical response times for such calls — up to 45 minutes in some cases — does little to assuage residents' concerns. So for the time being, the de facto security force is out patrolling the streets of North Austin, walkie talkies clenched firmly in hand.

>>> Read the full story at KXAN