Thieves have been breaking into cars across Colleyville neighborhoods, and living behind a gate hasn't stopped them.
The Colleyville Police Department issued a public advisory on Tuesday, Aug. 4, warning residents about a string of vehicle burglaries in residential areas throughout the city. The incidents occurred in the weeks leading up to the advisory, the department said, and some of the targeted vehicles were parked behind gated access points.
The detail about gated communities stands out. Colleyville has several neighborhoods with controlled entry, and the department's message was blunt: no matter where a vehicle is parked, it can be hit.
Crimes of opportunity
Police characterized the break-ins as crimes of opportunity. That means the thieves are not forcing their way into locked vehicles. They are pulling door handles, looking for cars left unlocked or valuables left visible on seats and dashboards.
The department's prevention guidance comes down to three steps:
- Hide belongings out of sight inside the vehicle.
- Lock the vehicle every time, even in a driveway or behind a gate.
- Remove keys or key fobs from the car entirely.
Leaving a key fob inside an unlocked car is an invitation for a thief to drive away with the vehicle itself, not just what's inside it. The department stressed that each of these steps applies regardless of where the car is parked.
What the advisory doesn't say
The department did not name specific streets or subdivisions affected. It did not provide a count of how many vehicles were burglarized, nor did it release suspect descriptions or announce any arrests. The advisory gave no timeline for a follow-up or additional patrols.
How to report
Colleyville PD urged residents to adopt a "See Something, Say Something" approach and report suspicious activity immediately. For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency tips or to report something that looks off in a neighborhood, call the department's line at 817-743-4522.
