ment agencies around the state,” said
Hanna. “The success of the program
shows in the demand that we have had
for these signs.”
WACO—The Insurance Council of
Texas (ICT) has joined with the Heart
of Texas Auto Burglary and Theft Pre-
vention Authority in a crime preven-
tion campaign aimed at preventing
auto thefts and auto burglaries in cen-
tral Texas.
one of the more popular crime prevention programs that Task Force members have utilized to deter criminals.
“The Insurance Council of Texas has
donated the LOCK, TAKE and HIDE
signs to more than a dozen law enforce-
ICT initially started the crime pre-
vention program in Austin on March
2, 2005, and has since begun similar
programs in Round Rock, Garland,
Mesquite, Frisco, Celina, Del Rio,
Houston, Laredo, Brownsville, High-
land Village, Galveston, Beaumont
and College Station.
The program involves the funding and distribution of signs that read, “LOCK your car, TAKE your keys and HIDE your belongings.”
Signs of the Times The Heart of Texas (HOT) task force located in Waco will receive LOCK, TAKE and HIDE signs that will be distributed and placed throughout central Texas.
The program is just one of several crime prevention efforts that the Task Force utilizes to prevent auto thefts and burglaries in the area. Other efforts include surveillance operations, intelligence gathering and public advertising.
“We welcome ICT’s help in encouraging motorists to take a more defensive approach in protecting their vehicles from burglars and auto thieves who are on the prowl,” said Michelle Sny-der with the HOT task force.
In Texas, an estimated 100,000 vehicles are stolen and another 250,000 are burglarized each year. It is also estimated that half of the vehicles stolen had the drivers’ keys left in the ignition and/or unlocked doors.
The LOCK, TAKE and HIDE signs will be placed in large public and private parking areas such as shopping malls, city parks, restaurants, apartment complexes and other areas where there is parking congestion.
A Popular Program Insurance Council of Texas spokesman Mark Hanna said the LOCK, TAKE and HIDE signs have become
THE INSURANCE RECORD • FEBRUARY 25, 2010 9
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