Seven people have been arrested by Portland police in the last five weeks for three different auto burglary incidents.
The first involved five juveniles from Corpus Christi. The second was committed by a man from Rockport and last weekend there were several burglaries perpetrated by one adult suspect.
With the rash of auto burglaries in the past month, is this a growing crime trend in Portland? Police Chief Mark Cory says no.
“I don’t think there is any trend here in Portland at all,” Cory said.
And he said that these crimes were convenient to the burglars.
“99.9 percent of these are crimes of opportunity. These are just people coming along, and we see them on surveillance cameras, checking doors and if they are unlocked they enter the vehicle,” Cory said. “If not they just keep on going.”
For the most part, the best way to protect your car from being a victim of theft or burglary is quite simple.
“It’s basic common sense,” Cory said. “Lock your cars.”
Cory warns residents that if they do see something suspicious to call 9-1-1 immediately.
