Austin police are worried about the budget ax that will be swinging at the State Capitol. Officers fear that funding will be cut to the department that handles stolen vehicles. That could mean higher insurance rates for drivers and an increased risk of vehicle theft.
Thieves in Austin steal 200 vehicles each month. It can be devastating for the victims.
"This is interfering with their jobs, their children's schools, groceries, you name it," said APD Sgt. Oliver Tate.
Sgt. Tate oversees APD's Auto Theft Unit. As it stands, officers return 70 percent of stolen vehicles to their rightful owners. Officers worry their success rate will drop.
The state Legislature is considering whether to pull grant money from the Texas Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority. That authority funds and trains police theft units statewide.
The money comes from a dollar tax on auto insurance rates. The state would still collect that money, but instead, put it all in the general fund. The tax brings in $15 million a year.
If that money is taken away, APD stands to lose five officers.
"Definitely the auto theft rates are going to rise. These [thieves] are going to realize that there's no one watching them. There's no one with the specialized training that can keep tabs on them," Tate said.
According to the agency's latest report, Travis County ranks sixth statewide when it comes to auto theft and fourth for vehicle break-ins.
Agency director Charles Caldwell says going after auto thieves can also stop more violent crimes.
"I know a lot of officers have said criminals are not going to commit crimes in their own vehicles," Caldwell said.
For example, a suspected drug dealer recently drove a stolen Jeep head-on into a Capital Metro bus after allegedly dealing drugs.
Still, some drivers feel the odds are in their favor.
"I think there's plenty of better cars they'll steal before they'll steal mine," driver Par Axelsson said.
Caldwell argues any cut in funding will affect everyone, victim or not.
"What we do is keep the insurance rates down. As we know, the more property that is damaged and stolen, it costs insurance more. So, therefore, they have to raise their premiums to combat what they pay out," he said.
Caldwell and Tate will meet with lawmakers about the issue on Tuesday. They should know the budget by April.
