Category Auto Theft

Jan 9 2020

DPD’S Bait Car Unit Sees It’s Highest Arrest Rate Since 2015

 

The Dallas Police Department’s Mobile Surveillance Unit finished out 2019 with 192 bait car activations that yielded 217 arrests for the year. The numbers are the highest since 2015.

“The Mobile Surveillance Unit expanded in early September of this year and has seen great success since adding more members to the squad and centralizing the program,” said Emily Davis, Dallas Police Department’s Mobile Surveillance Unit Manager. “We expect more of the same in 2020.”

In 2015, 384 arrests were made. That number dropped to 213 in 2016. It declined even more in 2017 to 99 arrests. However, the unit saw a resurgence of nearly 118% for 2018, ending the year with 216 arrests.

Davis said there’s no question that the numbers being produced are due to the expansion of the program and its officers. Another factor to consider is the unit’s collaborative efforts with other units when it comes to surveillance operations. Members of the unit have worked hard to spread the word about the cars’ capabilities and usage.

Now that officers in the unit are more centralized, they can target high crime areas more efficiently and utilize the vehicles and trackers more broadly throughout the department. The unit plans to continue expanding, optimistically looking for more success than in years past.

 

DG

Aug 3 2018

Auto Theft Prevention

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Prevent Auto Theft and Burglary!!!

The Auto Burglary Theft Prevention Authority (ABTPA) and the Dallas Police Department recommends the following tips to prevent citizens from becoming victims of auto theft and break-ins while attending fitness locations.

  • Never leave your vehicle unattended with keys in the ignition.
  • Do Not Leave Extra Keys in the Vehicle.
  • Park in busy and well-lit areas
  • Do not leave valuables (GPS, GPS holder, cell phone, iPads, etc.) in view
  • Equip your vehicle with an alarm or other anti-theft devices
  • Never leave your vehicle registration or other personal documents in your vehicle.
  • Secure & lock your gym locker with a heavy-duty combination or padlock.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and report any strange activity to police and the fitness location.

A trend was identified where suspects would find car keys and credit cards in unlocked lockers and obtain access to the vehicles. On occasion the suspects would cut small, light steel locks to gain access. Make sure to use a heavy-duty lock.

Following these safety tips should help prevent you from becoming a victim of auto theft and/or break-ins.  But if you do become a victim of auto theft, report it immediately. Provide local authorities with the make/model/license plate and vehicle ID number (VIN). A good idea is to keep a photo of your vehicle with the license plate number on your smartphone so that you can show officers. This will help get your vehicle information into the National Database faster.

Aug 16 2017

Public Assistance Needed to Identify Person of Interest in Auto Theft

The Dallas Police Department’s Auto Theft Unit is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a person of interest seen in the included video release.

The posted video shows a Black male entering a secured parking garage located at 800 Ross Avenue. During the investigation it was determined that while inside the garage, the Black male goes to a 2015 Infinity Q50, enters it with a key fob obtained by unknown means, and leaves the garage in the vehicle. The offense was captured on several surveillance cameras that were recording the entry and exit points at the location. 

Anyone that has information regarding this offense or the identity of the person in this video is asked to contact Auto Theft Detective Brown at 214-671-3527 or by email at mark.brown@dpd.ci.dallas.tx.us

May 2 2017

Auto Theft and Burglary Prevention Tips

The Dallas Police Department Auto Theft Unit  would like to remind everyone of a few tips to help prevent auto theft and burglary this summer. 

LOCK YOUR DOOR.

This seems like a simple tip, but many people leave their vehicles unlocked and thieves looking for an easy target will walk through parking lots and neighborhoods checking vehicle door handles. Also, don’t leave valuables or extra keys in your car – especially not in plain sight! Leaving valuables visible in your vehicle makes you more likely to become a car burglary victim! 

DO NOT LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE RUNNING.

Please turn off the ignition and lock your door when you exit your vehicle. Many offenses are taking place when people leave their vehicles running as they run in the store to pay for gas, to get a drink, or to let the car warm up. Whenever you exit the vehicle always turn it off and lock your door.

LOCK THE TAILGATE ON YOUR TRUCK.

Lately, thieves have been targeting tailgates on trucks that are left unlocked. Tailgates can cost up to $7,000.  Save yourself the time and money by locking your tailgate. You can purchase tailgate locks at any part accessory store. Tailgates are not outfitted with an identification number, so it is a challenge to properly identify and return it back to the victim.  

CALL 9-1-1. 

Call 9-1-1 to make a police report  as soon as you notice your car has been burglarized or stolen. Also, be sure to call 9-1-1 to report any suspicious activity, persons, or vehicles.

The Dallas Police Department relies on the solid partnership with our community to help keep criminals off the street. Please do your part by taking preventive action and spreading the word. You can make a difference.

 

May 5 2016

Keeping Dallas Safe: Southeast Officers Recover $500,000 in Stolen Property

On May 5, 2016 at approximately 1:40 a.m., officers in the Southeast Crime Response Team responded to a call about two stolen tractor-trailers in the 5400 block of South Lamar Street. Officers met with the victim who stated that both of her tractor-trailers were fully loaded and had been parked in a lot in Grand Prairie. The victim was notified by security at the lot that the tractor-trailers had been stolen. The victim was able to locate the vehicles in the 5400 block of South Lamar, however, the loaded trailers were still missing.

Officers received information that the 2 stolen trailers may be in the 2800 block of Childs. Officers went to the location where they were able to see through a fence and identified the two stolen trailers. The officers got a search warrant for the property and recovered the stolen trailers along with the cargo that was inside. The victim stated that the value of the property in each trailer was approximately $250,000.

Due to the quick response and teamwork of the Southeast Crime Response Team, the victim was able to recover $500,000 in stolen property and locate a commercial lot being used to house stolen trailers and cargo. Thank you for your hard work! 

dw

Feb 9 2016

Southeast Patrol Chief Helps Catch Thief!

On February 3, 2016, Southeast Patrol Division Chief Paul Stokes was notified by a citizen that their stolen White Chrysler Sebring was occupied at Forney Road and Buckner Boulevard. Chief Stokes broadcasted the stolen vehicle location and information over the police radio.  Sgt. Garland Martin and uniformed patrol officers responded to the location.

Responding officers observed the suspect, Antonio Ponciano along with two passengers driving into the Family Dollar at 3921 S. Buckner Boulevard.   The occupants of the stolen vehicle exited the vehicle and were detained by patrol officers.  The citizen’s stolen vehicle was recovered and all three were transported to Jack Evans Police Headquarters to be interviewed by Auto Theft Detectives. The suspect was arrested and charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle.

Jan 31 2016

Press Conference: Carjacking Incident at 1309 Main St.

Updated Sunday, January 31, 2016:

On January 30, 2016, at about 1:30 p.m. a citizen flagged down DART Police At the West End Dart Rail station. That citizen pointed out an individual and told the officers that that he was a participant in the Robbery of Sarah Hoff that occurred at 1309 Main Street on January 21st.   

The officers attempted to detain and identify the suspect but he tried to escape on foot. Dart Officers pursued the suspect on foot before Dallas Police Mounted Officers joined them.  When the suspect saw  that he was being pursued by officers on horseback the suspect surrendered.  

Ira Booker, B/M/01-07-99, was arrested for Evading Arrest and transported to Dallas Police Headquarters where he was interviewed by robbery detectives. Mr. Booker admitted to his involvement in the Robbery of Sarah Hoff.  Mr. Booker is in the Dallas County Jail charged with Evading Arrest and Robbery. 

We want to thank the public and specifically the individual who pointed out Ira Booker to police. Detectives continue to work to identify the second suspect who was shown in surveillance video earlier this week. 

Original Post:

Dallas Police Release Surveillance Video of Violent Carjacking Suspect

On January 21, 2016, at about 9:47 p.m. a female victim, Ms. Sarah Hoff was sitting in her vehicle on the eighth floor of the Davis Building parking garage at 1309 Main Street. Two black male suspects opened her driver and passenger doors and beat her with their fists. The suspects pulled Ms. Hoff from her vehicle and demanded money and then got into her 2003 BMW and sped away with her purse and credit cards. 

Later that same evening at about 11:23 p.m. one suspect drove Ms. Hoff’s stolen BMW to the McDonalds restaurant at 2215 S. Buckner Boulevard and used the her stolen credit card to make a purchase at the drive-thru window.  This suspect was captured on video the stolen vehicle and speaking with a male parked behind him in a Hummer H3. 

We are releasing this surveillance video in hopes that someone will recognize this suspect and help us identify him.  Detectives are in the process of analyzing additional video to determine whether or not there are more images of the suspects.  This investigation is ongoing and we will release further information as it becomes available and appropriate for release.

Anyone that recognizes the individual in this video is asked to call Detective Brow at (214) 671-3584. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call Crime Stoppers at (214) 373-TIPS (8477).

Jan 22 2016

Avoid Becoming a Victim of Auto Theft

As it gets colder outside, the Dallas Police Department would like to send out a brief reminder about the risk of leaving a vehicle unattended with the keys inside. Even though it is nice to get into a toasty warm car before you start your drive to work, it is not worth the cost of having your vehicle stolen. It is also a violation of Dallas City Code 28-76.5 to leave car keys in an unattended vehicle.

Please never leave your vehicle unattended with the keys in the ignition and be sure to lock your doors and keep the windows closed.

Nov 13 2015

Aggravated Robbery Spree Ended

On October 31 2015, Tyler Woodard, WM12/27/93 and Joshua Puckett, BM 05/17/86 drove a stolen black BMW to 2100 West Northwest Highway.  Suspect Puckett pointed a gun at the victim while suspect Woodard drove off with the victim’s red Lexus.  Both suspects fled in separate vehicles.

Shortly after this offense suspect Woodard was located by patrol and arrested based on a description provided by the victim.  The victim’s stolen Lexus was recovered from a nearby parking lot.   Suspect Woodard told officers that the stolen black BMW could be found in a parking garage at 1241 W. Mockingbird. The BMW was located and towed to the pound.  Suspect Puckett had escaped.

Detectives developed information implicating suspect Puckett and a warrant was obtained for his arrest.

On November 2, 2015, a victim left his car running while he went into a store.  Suspect Puckett jumped in this victim’s black Mercedes and drove off.

On November 7, 2015 at 1:45 a.m. suspect Puckett and his common law wife, Anh Nguyen, AF 01/22/89, drove the black Mercedes stolen on November 2nd to the Dallas Police Auto Pound at 1955 Vilbig Street.  Suspect Nguyen distracted employees while suspect Puckett climbed the fence, entered the lot, and drove off with the black BMW that he had previously stolen. 

On November 10, 2015, suspect Puckett committed another aggravated robbery when he pointed a gun at a victim and stole a white BMW.

On November 11, 2015, Auto Theft Detectives received information regarding the whereabouts of the stolen black BMW that had been taken from the Police Pound.  The black BMW was recovered at 10900 Indian Trail.

On November 12, 2015, Northwest Deployment located suspect Puckett and the stolen white BMW. Suspect Puckett was arrested and the vehicle recovered.

Suspect Puckett is charged with 1 count of Aggravated Robbery.  Dallas Police are filing one additional count of Aggravated Robbery and 2 counts of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle.

Suspect Woodard has been charged with 1 count of Aggravated Robbery.

Suspect Nguyen was arrested and charged with UUMV of the black Mercedes and Possession of Methamphetamine.

Detectives, patrol officers, deployment officers, and Auto Pound staff all contributed to bringing these cases to a successful end through the arrests of these violent suspects.   

Oct 28 2015

Lock, Take, Hide

CaptureNow that the weather is cooler, more people are out and about in their vehicles. From the Zoo, the Arboretum, the mall or the supermarket, there are a lot of parked, unattended vehicles.

This is also a great season for window shopping – for would-be thieves, wanting to snatch that GPS, purse, smartphone, camera, or whatever is left inside a parked vehicle, in plain sight. One stop, easy shopping.

When you park your vehicle, TAKE your stuff with you and LOCK your vehicle. If you can’t TAKE it with you, HIDE your property before you park. If a theif can’t see it, he doesn’t know it is there for the taking.