safety
Laredo police urge residents to lock cars, remove valuables during ‘Watch Your Car Month’
By Emma Galle at KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News
· July 1, 2026
· 1 min read
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The city of Laredo recognizes July as “Watch Your Car Month,” and local police are reminding residents that a few simple habits can reduce the risk of auto theft.Laredo police said most thefts occur when someone spots a valuable item inside a vehicle or finds a car left unlo...
Key takeaway “Auto thefts and thefts from vehicles basically are crimes of opportunity,” said Joe Baeza of the Laredo Police Department.
Why this matters in The Laredo
The Laredo Police Department's reminder to residents to lock cars and remove valuables during "Watch Your Car Month" comes at a crucial time, as summer outings and activities increase the likelihood of opportunistic thefts. In a city where community events and outdoor gatherings are common, it's easy to let vigilance slip, especially when parked in familiar areas like driveways or neighborhood streets. However, as police emphasize, even these seemingly safe locations can be targeted by thieves. By taking simple precautions like locking cars, removing valuables, and keeping items out of sight, residents can significantly reduce the risk of auto theft and theft from vehicles. This proactive approach can also contribute to a safer community overall, allowing residents to enjoy Laredo's summer events and activities with greater peace of mind.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News . The Laredo surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The city of Laredo recognizes July as “Watch Your Car Month,” and local police are reminding residents that a few simple habits can reduce the risk of auto theft.Laredo police said most thefts occur when someone spots a valuable item inside a vehicle or finds a car left unlo...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News and curated for The Laredo readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Emma Galle at KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News. To learn more about how The Laredo selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Laredo, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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