HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — New data released by the FBI shows property crimes are decreasing within the Houston Police Department’s jurisdiction, but some say it’s simply underreported. There are some too.
Property crimes include theft, auto burglary, vandalism, shoplifting, auto theft, and arson.
According to statistics compiled by the FBI, there were 97,005 property crimes reported to HPD in 2021. The number of reports increased to 105,432 in 2022 and decreased slightly to 104,246 in 2023.
“I think if it’s an indication that the police department is in decline, it’s probably because people are less likely to report it,” said Ray Hunt, executive director of the Houston Police Officers Union.
Business owners on the U.S. 59 corridor in the Upper Kirby area said they deal with multiple car break-ins each week. They spoke to ABC13 off-camera so as not to negatively impact business.
Some commercial parking lots have signs posted reminding customers not to leave valuables in their vehicles.
One restaurant handed out cards with menus to customers to provide an extra reminder to keep their cars safe and to let customers know that calls are not a high priority for police. .
“We take all the calls that come in, so there can be a barrage of calls. When we get a barrage of calls, someone waits 12 hours to steal a car and then they leave,” Hunt said. explained.
He explained that car theft reports are a low priority and are not prioritized.
Hunt cited a myriad of problems, including HPD’s understaffing, high call volume and the quick return to crime by criminals who receive low bail.
He said HPD is more reactive than proactive, responding to reports when something happens.
“As long as people are sitting on top of their stores trying to keep their cars from being broken into, that’s not going to happen,” Hunt said.
Hunt said he understands management’s frustration, but said executives are equally frustrated.
“We’re doing our job,” Hunt said. “We put people in jail. People come out quickly.”
Victims can file a report with HPD online.
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