New data from the FBI reveals a decline in property crimes within the Houston Police Department’s jurisdiction, but some believe the numbers may be skewed due to underreporting.
Property crimes encompass offenses like theft, motor vehicle burglary, vandalism, shoplifting, auto theft, and arson.
According to FBI statistics, 97,005 property crimes were reported to HPD in 2021. This number rose to 105,432 in 2022 before dipping slightly to 104,246 in 2023.
“I think if they’re showing a decrease, it’s likely because people are less inclined to report it,” said Ray Hunt, executive director of the Houston Police Officers’ Union.
Business owners in the U.S. 59 corridor of Upper Kirby report frequent car break-ins, often occurring multiple times a week. They spoke anonymously to media to avoid negatively impacting their businesses.
Some business parking lots have posted signs reminding customers not to leave valuables in their vehicles. One restaurant has even started distributing cards with the menu, urging patrons to secure their cars and acknowledging that such calls are often low on the police’s priority list.
“We respond to every call”
