www.houstontx.gov > Houston Police Department

AUTO THEFT DIVISION

Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority

 

 

for more information, call
1-800-CAR-WATCH

The Houston Police Department, Auto Theft Division, is the co-ordinating agency within the City of Houston for the crime prevention programs implemented by the Texas Automobile Theft Authority. To participate in these programs contact any Command Station, sub-station or neighborhood store front facility. Ask for the H.E.A.T. representative. For presentations to a civic club, church congregation or other groups, contact the Auto Theft Division at (713) 308-3500 and ask to speak to the program coordinator.

Help End Auto Theft

H.E.A.T. / Watch Your Car is a statewide vehicle registration program aimed at reducing auto theft during night-time hours. Vehicle owners not normally using their vehicle between 1 am and 5 am sign an agreement allowing peace officers to verify ownership if the vehicle is observed being driven during H.E.A.T. hours. Owners may extend additional authority at the time of registration to have the vehicle stopped for verification 24 hours a day at the Texas-Mexico Border. Officers throughout the state have immediate access to H.E.A.T. data even if the decal has been removed. Registration is for a four year period and the cost is one cent per vehicle. You may sign up for the program at any Command Station, sub-station or store front facility or by contacting the program coordinator at (713) 308-3500.

Texas Action Council on Theft

T.A.C.T. is a non-profit organization of insurance companies, working with law enforcement and concerned citizens by sponsoring a program that provides anti-theft security labels for your personal property, including component parts for your vehicle. The labels are enscribed with your vehicle identification number and your Texas Operator's License number. After the labels have been applied for several days, it imprints an invisible image on the vehicle part. Thereafter, even if the labels are removed law enforcement officials can still identify your parts or property. The cost is approximately $8.40 per set of 10 labels. To participate, contact the H.E.A.T. representative at any Command Station, Substation or Store Front. You can also contact the program coordinator by calling the Auto Theft Division main phone number between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. After normal business hours, leave your name and daytime phone number and the program coordinator will contact you.