DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Auto crimes occur every two minutes in Texas, and a new prevention campaign wants you to think like a thief.

According to reports, auto crimes typically go up in the summertime with July being the worst month. That is the reason that the Texas DMV has even declared July as “Watch Your Car” month.

Research by the Auto Burglary & Theft Prevention Authority shows 60% of the Texans surveyed don’t consider auto crime a big problem, so they’ve launched a statewide awareness campaign called “Think Like a Thief”.

Charles Caldwell with the ABTPA says the program is designed to give Texas drivers an insider’s view into auto crime and how to best protect their vehicles and themselves.

“We ask Texans to take basic precautions such as the Hide-Lock-Take method: Hide your valuables, lock your car, take your keys.” said Caldwell.  “Believe it or not, about half of all stolen vehicles are unlocked, often with keys in the ignition.”  He says thieves look at the different locations and the easy opportunities, and we want our citizens to not make that opportunity so easy for thieves.

Caldwell adds that through the ABTPA awareness campaigns they have been able to reduce auto crimes by 70% across the state.

PLAY: Marlee McCormick reporting for 1080 KRLD

For more information and for prevention tips, go to www.txwatchyourcar.com.

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