Have you gotten one of these on your car recently?  We’re betting your heart skipped a beat, thinking you had received a ticket.  Actually,  it’s all part of MMD’s on-going efforts to keep Montrose safe.

These report cards are just one way MMD is working to remind both visitors and residents of the Montrose district about how to prevent theft.    The program is part of the Houston Police Department’s Theft Reduction Program.   MMD Patrol Captain, Victor Bessera and his team of officers average about 220 of these report cards a month.  Sadly, most of them are FAILs as people leave valuables like iPods and  iPhones in plain view.  Others simply forget to even lock their doors.  “Most crimes are those of opportunity,” he says, so personal responsibility and awareness of your surroundings can go a long way to stifling crime.

“You can’t even leave boxes of trash in your car.  People with break-in just to see if there might be anything of value in there,” says Officer Bessara.

He also has a few tips for parking in Montrose:

When going to exercise or to a park, never lock your purse in the car. Thieves know that women do this and will break in to look in trunks or under seats for stowed valuables, especially purses.

Always be aware of your surroundings. You are more likely to become a victim when you are not paying attention.

When parking or returning to your vehicle, carry your keys and be aware of your surroundings.