WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas — After a string of car break-ins in the North Austin, area Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody is warning people to protect their property.
"Now that summer's here, I think we're seeing a little bit of a peak," said Chody.
According to Chody, they got a handful of calls over the weekend from people reporting car break-ins, with thieves stealing items like wallets, money and electronics, along the Anderson Mill Road area.
"We've seen just a small rash and we're not sure what's occurring over there," said Chody.
Suzi Henderson and her husband have lived in the Anderson Mill area for almost 20 years.
"It's been a nice peaceful community, every now and then we do hear about a break-in here and there," said Henderson.
They take extra precautions after someone tried to break into their car a few years ago.
"After that, we started covering everything," said Henderson.
Henderson keeps a piece of carpet in the back of her car to hide anything valuable.
"Just keep it rolled up so whenever we need it, it's there," said Henderson.
Chody wants to remind others to take similar precautions.
He calls it the "9 p.m. routine."
Before you go to bed, lock your house and car doors, bring in your valuables and close the garage.
"It's just to take that little bit of temptation away," said Chody.
According to the department, Williamson County saw 394 car break-ins last year, and already 145 this year. So with each safety measure, Chody hopes they can prevent that number from getting any higher, and prevent people like Henderson from being a target.
He also encourages residents to register their home security cameras with local law enforcement, saying those cameras can be vital in solving property crimes.
"That camera that captured that video may be the only thing we need to solve all those burglaries," said Chody.
If someone breaks into your car, Sheriff Chody said it's important to report it to police, not just write about it on your online neighborhood forum, like Nextdoor.
Also, if you see someone suspicious in your neighborhood, he encourages you to give police a call.