By Jonathan Nolte
Staff Writer

Boerne Police Chief Gary Miller says that area residents should be vigilant and keep their valuables secure after a recent string of car burglaries has blighted Boerne.

“People feel safe here, so they aren’t as cautious as they should be,” Miller said, regarding locals’ tendency to leave their cars unlocked with valuables inside.

At least six vehicles were broken into last week. Electronics, tools and credit cards were taken from some of the vehicles.

Two men were arrested on May 1 after someone spotted them breaking into cars in the Boerne Home Depot parking lot, but burglaries continued after the arrest.

Miller believes most of the thieves come from San Antonio.

San Antonio police arrested several individuals in December for vehicle burglaries, some of which occurred in Boerne. He said that Boerne is just close enough to San Antonio to be a convenient drive for these criminals.

Miller recommends that people lock their cars at all times and not leave valuables such as electronics, computers, cell phones, purses, wallets or tools where they are visible to thieves.

He said that opportunity is a compelling factor for car burglaries, and local residents can reduce the risk of becoming victims by eliminating those opportunities.

See Police Reports on page 6.