The Burglary, Theft and Financial Crimes Division is responsible for follow up investigations on Property and Financial Crimes, which include but are not limited to:

• Burglary of a Motor Vehicle
• Burglary of a Business
• Criminal Mischief
• Lost / Found Property
• Credit Card Abuse
• Forgery
• Fraud
• Identity Theft

For assistance with a residential burglary or more information on the BARS Unit please contact the district in which the crime occurred or call 713-967-5700. Burglary Apprehension Response Squads or BARS Units consisting of highly trained patrol officers assigned to each of the four districts within Harris County investigate residential burglaries.

Burglary of a Motor Vehicle Prevention Tips

• Never leave the keys in your vehicle.
• Always lock the doors, even when you are away from the vehicle for a short time.
• Remove items (purses, tapes, CD's, books, cash, etc.) from the vehicle whenever possible.
• Personal items that cannot be removed should be secured in an area that is out of sight.
• Remove "pull-out" style stereos and/or removable faceplates of stereos whenever possible.
• Park in areas that are well lit and will be well lit when you return.
• Install a car alarm that is equipped with an engine kill switch.
• Use a steering wheel lock bar or steering column-locking cover.

Burglary of a Business Prevention Tips

• Install lighting at the front and back as well as near any side doors of your business. Try to eliminate as many shadows as possible.
• Use only solid core doors. Be sure the doorframes cannot easily be jimmied.
• Use deadbolts and be sure to change the locks every time an employee with access to them leaves.
• Install burglar-resistant glass or use wire mesh or iron bars over all glass.
• Arrange merchandise so that a passerby can see into the store. Keep your expensive merchandise away from the windows, toward the center of the store.
• Keep front windows free from posters, etc., which can prevent a burglar inside from being seen by a passerby.
• Install and use a drop safe. Limit the amount of cash in the register and post signs indicating that a drop safe is used and register only has limited cash.
• Check ventilation system to ensure it cannot be used to gain entry.