How to avoid car thefts during March festivals

Special events attract visitors — and thieves looking to prey on them.

Austin police have their hands full, to say the least, whenever the city hosts tens of thousands of visitors for the South by Southwest festivals, Rodeo Austin and Texas Relays. Part of it is because those events can attract thieves eager to prey on newcomers unfamiliar with their surroundings.

Here are a few things police say visitors should know to protect their valuables and stay safe. How quickly can thefts happen?

According to Austin police’s Auto Theft Interdiction Project, thieves take only five minutes to steal your vehicle in Texas and less than three minutes to burglarize your vehicle. Where can thieves strike?

Thieves scout parked vehicles and bicycles on public streets, shopping malls, hotels, apartment complexes, Austin’s hikeand-bike trails, hospitals, large parking facilities and even residential driveways, police say. As of March 14, police tallied at least 70 auto thefts citywide this month, 22 of them during SXSW. Last year, police received reports of 174 auto thefts citywide in March with 57 of them during SXSW (March 10-19). How can you protect your vehicle?

Rule No. 1: Take your keys. Austin police say they’ve seen too many vehicle thefts happen because drivers left their keys inside, thinking they were hidden enough.

Also, park in well-lighted areas or attended lots. Thieves prefer the cover of darkness and no witnesses, police say. How can you protect your valuables?

Take all valuables with you or stash them in your trunk before you get to your destination, so thieves don’t see you do it. Any other advice?

■ Never leave your car running, no matter how quick you think you’ll be.

■ Don’t keep the registration or title in your vehicle because thieves will use them to sell your vehicle once they’ve stolen it.

■ Police also recommend that you write down where you parked, take a photo or text yourself where you left your vehicle to avoid confusion later.