Texas Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority

Auto thieves have a type. Does your vehicle make the list?

The latest Texas Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles are in, and some familiar favorites are still attracting unwanted attention.

🔒 Lock your doors
🔑 Take your keys and key fob
👀 Hide valuables from view
💡 Park in well-lit areas

A few simple habits can help keep your vehicle from becoming a statistic.

Source: Texas Department of Public Safety Vehicle Theft Data – May 2026

Learned It in Class. Used It on the Street.

The MVCPA Training Team spent two days in Cibolo presenting our Basic Auto Theft for Patrol course, and we got to witness firsthand why this training matters.

On the first day, officers learned about trailer theft investigations and trailer identification. While class was still in session the second day, officers in the field stopped a trailer they suspected might be stolen. Calls started coming into the classroom from officers seeking guidance on the trailer and its identifying information. During a break, they stopped by to discuss the details with the instructors and apply what they had just learned.

There’s no better example of training making an immediate impact.

Seeing officers put newly learned skills to work the very next day reinforces why MVCPA provides this training free of charge to law enforcement agencies across Texas. Our goal is simple: equip patrol officers with practical tools they can use in the field to identify vehicle crimes, recover stolen property, and better serve their communities.

A big thank you to the Cibolo Police Department for hosting us and supporting continued law enforcement education. We appreciate the partnership and look forward to seeing more success stories from the officers who attended.

Meet the Crew: The Faces Behind Organized Auto Theft

Auto theft isn't always a crime of opportunity. In many cases, it's organized, coordinated, and carried out by groups working together toward one goal—stealing your vehicle or its parts for profit.

A months-long investigation by the Garland Police Department recently disrupted an organized criminal crew believed to be responsible for at least 25 vehicle thefts and burglaries across Garland and neighboring communities, resulting in more than $62,000 in stolen property.

Investigators determined the group operated as a structured criminal organization, with members performing specific roles within the theft operation. The crew primarily targeted older-model Chevrolet, GMC, and Dodge trucks, as well as work vans.

Through collaboration between detectives, neighborhood police officers, and gang investigators, law enforcement identified the suspects and mapped their activities. Five individuals were arrested and charged with offenses including engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, theft of motor vehicles, burglary of motor vehicles, and theft of vehicle parts.

This is what auto thieves look like.

Not movie villains. Not master criminals. Just individuals making choices that impact hardworking vehicle owners, businesses, and communities.

Motor vehicle theft remains a gateway crime that often fuels other criminal activity. Every stolen vehicle represents more than property—it can mean missed work, lost income, interrupted businesses, and significant financial hardship for victims.

While law enforcement agencies work every day to investigate and disrupt organized theft rings, vehicle owners can help protect themselves by:

Always locking vehicles and taking keys.
Park in well-lit areas whenever possible.
Removing valuables from plain sight.
Reporting suspicious activity immediately.
Considering additional theft-deterrent devices for older-model vehicles.

The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to link additional cases and identify potential victims.

Protect it. It's yours.

Everything's Bigger in Texas... Including Vehicle Recoveries

Auto theft investigations don't always begin with a stolen vehicle report—they often begin with proactive enforcement efforts and officers looking for suspicious activity before more crimes occur.

Recently, the Maverick County Auto Theft Task Force, working alongside the Texas Department of Public Safety and Maverick County Code Enforcement, recovered three stolen vehicles during a coordinated enforcement operation.

Recovering stolen vehicles takes teamwork, persistence, and strong partnerships. Operations like these demonstrate how law enforcement agencies and community partners can work together to identify criminal activity, recover stolen property, and improve public safety.

Great work by the Maverick County Auto Theft Task Force and all assisting agencies for their continued commitment to combating vehicle theft in Texas.



Maverick County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety

Auto Theft Doesn't Take a Day Off... and Neither Does the MVCPA Training Team!

We've been putting some serious miles on the road lately!

Week before last, we were in Waller County thanks to the Waller County Sheriff's Office for hosting our Basic Auto Theft for Patrol course.

This past week, we rolled into San Angelo, where the San Angelo Auto Theft Task Force hosted another outstanding class.

Our Basic Auto Theft for Patrol course is provided FREE of charge to licensed peace officers across Texas and covers topics such as VIN swaps and clones, title fraud, tools used by auto thieves, vehicle identification, authority to seize, auto theft trends, and other vehicle crime investigations.

The bad news? Our 2026 training calendar is packed.

The good news? We're already looking ahead to 2027!

Until then, keep an eye out for the MVCPA truck. We may be headed to a town near you next!

See you down the road... or in a training room near you.

AUTO THEFT ISN'T A STANDALONE CRIME

A lengthy investigation by the Grapevine Police Department has resulted in the arrest of five individuals allegedly connected to an organized auto theft operation spanning multiple North Texas communities.

What began with the recovery of a stolen vehicle quickly uncovered a much larger criminal enterprise. Through diligent investigative work, technology, search warrants, and regional law enforcement partnerships, investigators recovered thousands of vehicle parts tied to dozens of stolen vehicles, VIN-swapped vehicles, stolen fi****ms, and evidence of ongoing criminal activity.

The investigation highlights an important reality: vehicle theft is often the gateway to other crimes, including organized criminal activity, fi****ms offenses, fraud, and trafficking of stolen vehicle parts.

This case serves as a reminder that behind every stolen vehicle is a victim, and that law enforcement agencies across Texas work tirelessly to identify offenders, recover property, and dismantle criminal networks responsible for vehicle crime.

Great work by the Grapevine Police Department and all partnering agencies involved in this investigation.

WHERE’S THE MVCPA TRUCK?

The MVCPA truck is back on the road somewhere in Texas… but can you guess where?

Here are your clues:
⭐ Historic frontier fort town
⭐ Once home to soldiers, settlers, and cattle drives
⭐ Famous for sheep, wool, and West Texas roots
⭐ This photo was taken near a historic military hospital

Drop your guesses in the comments and let’s see who knows Texas history best! 👇

Catalytic Converter Thefts on the Rise Again

The Laredo Auto Theft Task Force recently investigated a series of catalytic converter thefts that occurred across North Laredo during the evening hours of May 11, 2026. Investigators recovered 20 stolen catalytic converters, with 12 already returned to their rightful owners.

On May 22, 2026, three juveniles were detained in connection with the investigation and now face multiple charges, including Burglary of Vehicle, Theft of Catalytic Converters, Unauthorized Possession of Catalytic Converters, and Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity.

Catalytic converter thefts are beginning to trend upward again across Texas as thieves continue targeting vehicles for the valuable metals inside these parts. Criminals can remove a catalytic converter in just minutes, often leaving victims with costly repairs and downtime.

Protect your vehicle:
✔️ Park in well-lit areas
✔️ Install anti-theft devices or shields
✔️ Etch your VIN or license plate on your converter
✔️ Report suspicious activity immediately

Paint It. Cover It. Etch It.

MVCPA grant-funded task forces across Texas continue to host FREE catalytic converter theft-prevention events to help Texans protect their vehicles.

Auto theft is rarely a standalone crime. In many cases, it serves as a gateway to other criminal activity including organized crime, narcotics, fraud, weapons offenses, and trafficking operations.

Recently, detectives with the Houston Auto Crimes Task Force (HACTF) were working on-call duty when they were contacted by Houston Police Department North Patrol officers regarding a possible chop shop operation involving numerous suspected stolen vehicle parts. Patrol officers had already detained four suspects at the scene.

Upon arrival, HACTF detectives discovered a large quantity of stolen vehicle parts. During the investigation, detectives confirmed that several of the dismantled vehicle components originated from vehicles that were still actively listed as stolen.

In addition to the recovered stolen vehicle parts, investigators also seized:

One firearm
Two fake identification cards
247.1 grams of ma*****na
$10,075.00 in cash

Detectives also recovered a U-Haul truck the suspects were actively loading with stolen vehicle parts. The vehicle was towed as evidence. Additionally, a Chevrolet Silverado being operated by the suspects was found to have its VIN numbers removed and was subsequently towed to the Houston Police Department Impound Lot for further examination.

All four suspects were charged with Engaging in Organized Crime.

This case highlights how auto theft investigations frequently uncover broader criminal enterprises operating within communities. The Houston Auto Crimes Task Force continues to work alongside local, state, and federal partners to identify and dismantle organized criminal networks involved in vehicle theft and related offenses.

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage, dedication, and selfless commitment to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten.

As we spend time with family and friends this Memorial Day, let us pause to reflect on those who gave everything for the freedoms we enjoy each day.

From all of us at the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority, thank you to our fallen heroes and the families who carry their legacy forward. 🇺🇸