Harris County Sheriff's Office Urges Lakes on Eldridge Drivers to 'Watch Your Car' This Summer
For many Lakes on Eldridge families, a vehicle is more than transportation. It is the way parents get to work, children reach school and households keep up with everyday responsibilities. Losing that vehicle—or discovering that someone broke into it—can quickly disrupt an entire family’s routine.
That is why the Harris County Sheriff's Office is using July’s Watch Your Car Month campaign to remind residents that several simple habits can make vehicles less inviting to thieves.
“Summer means road trips, late nights, and busy parking lots — and unfortunately, it also means more opportunities for auto theft,” Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said in a message to the community.
The local reminder comes during National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 650,000 vehicles were stolen across the United States in 2025—approximately one every 48 seconds. NHTSA also identifies summer as the worst season for motor vehicle theft.
Free Catalytic Converter Etching Available in Humble
Residents can take advantage of free catalytic converter etching every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 310 Fisher Road in Humble.
The service is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and no appointment is required. During the process, the Auto Theft Unit paints and etches the vehicle identification number, or VIN, onto the catalytic converter.
Marking the part can help investigators identify a stolen catalytic converter and potentially return it to its owner. The Fisher Road facility supports the agency’s Auto Theft Division and vehicle crime processing operations.
Vehicle Theft and Burglary Reports Declined in 2025
The latest figures shared by the Harris County Sheriff's Office show a notable year-over-year decline in reported vehicle crimes.
Reported motor vehicle thefts fell from 5,958 in 2024 to 4,310 in 2025, a decrease of approximately 27.7%. Vehicle burglaries dropped from 11,978 to 9,217 during the same period, representing a decline of about 23.1%.
Those numbers translate into thousands fewer residents experiencing a stolen vehicle or vehicle break-in. The agency cautioned that it remains too early in July to determine where 2026 totals will land, but officials said prevention, patrols and informed residents remain central to keeping that progress moving in the right direction.
“We know a stolen car isn't just an inconvenience,” Gonzalez said. “It can mean missed work, disrupted routines, and the unsettling feeling of having something taken from your own driveway.”
Simple Ways to Help Prevent Vehicle Theft
Drivers should take their keys every time they leave a vehicle—even when stepping away for only a moment. Windows should be closed, doors locked and valuables moved out of sight, including bags that may appear empty.
Residents are also encouraged to park in well-lit areas or near security cameras when possible. Audible alarms, steering-wheel locks, immobilizers and electronic tracking systems can provide additional layers of protection. NHTSA notes that visible deterrents may discourage unauthorized entry, while recovery systems can help law enforcement locate a stolen vehicle.
Firearms should never be left inside an unattended vehicle. Phones, laptops, purses, GPS units and other items that can be seen through a window may also attract thieves.
Drivers can prepare for an emergency by keeping their vehicle’s year, make, model, color, license plate number and VIN in a secure location that is easy to access. Investigators and insurance companies will typically need those details after a theft report is filed.
What to Do When a Vehicle Is Stolen
A stolen vehicle should be reported to law enforcement immediately. Residents should have their license plate number, VIN and a description of the vehicle ready when making the report.
NHTSA also recommends contacting the vehicle’s insurance company within 24 hours. When a stolen vehicle is found before authorities locate it, both law enforcement and the insurance provider should be notified right away.
Residents who see a suspicious person or vehicle can contact the Harris County Sheriff's Office at 713-221-6000 Call 9-1-1 when a crime is in progress or there is an immediate threat to someone’s safety.
A locked door, an empty front seat and a few seconds spent checking the driveway may feel like small precautions. Together, however, those choices can help protect the vehicles that keep Lakes on Eldridge families moving.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for additional public safety updates and community resources affecting Lakes on Eldridge residents.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
