The Austin Police Department Auto Theft Interdiction Unit is urging owners of the Honda Accord to be aware that auto thieves are targeting their vehicles.

As of January through August 2007, 358 Honda vehicles had been reported stolen compare to a total of 170 in 2006.

Vehicles are stolen for a variety of reasons, and APD warns that new vehicles are not the only target for cart thieves. Older model vehicles are also very desirable because they are more easily broken into. Some vehicles are stolen and stripped for auto parts. Others are stolen for joyriding, to support drug habits or used in committing other crimes.

Residents can help protect their vehicles from auto theft by taking precautions that will make your vehicle a less target:

*Take your keys - Nearly 20% of all stolen vehicles had the keys in them.

*Lock Your Car - Approximately half of all stolen vehicles were left unlocked.

*Park in well-lighted areas - Over half of all vehicle theft occur at night.

*Never Leave Your Car Running - It is against the law in Texas to leave your keys in the ignition of your vehicle engine running. If convicted, you can be fined up to $200.

*Dont leave valuables in plain view - Dont make your car a more desirable target and attract thieves by leaving valuables in plain sight.

The APD Auto Theft Interdiction Project programs are funded through the Texas Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority to reduce auto burglary and theft in the State of Texas.

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