AUSTIN, Texas — Austin officials are ramping up efforts to combat a surge in car break-ins at popular parks and greenbelts.
Visitors can see the evidence in piles of glass from broken windows, however, new data revealed that 90% of these crimes occur in just 16 of the city’s nearly 400 parks.
Included in those hotspots are popular parks like Bull Creek, Mount Bonnell, St. Edward’s Park and Zilker Park — locations with high foot traffic and large parking lots.
Austin Police Assistant Chief Lee Rogers highlighted the issue during a meeting on Tuesday, emphasizing that repeat offenders are targeting those areas.
“This is where the people are. This is where the vehicles are,” Rogers said. “We are targeting those specific groups and locations.”
Just last month, Austin police arrested 11 people connected to recent car burglaries at Austin parks. The department said it’s working closely with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department to install security cameras and fresh signs warning visitors about the risks.
City officials are also urging park visitors to take preventive measures by locking their cars, hiding valuables, and parking in well-lit areas. Police continue to push their “Take It, Lock It, Hide It” campaign to reduce thefts.
Justin Harper, who visits Bull Creek Park frequently, said he had to think twice about parking his car after seeing a “sea of glass” from previous car break-ins. For him, these efforts are long overdue.
“When I see glass like that [from broken windows], I know my car could be next,” Harper said. “I’ve seen this glass out here for many years, so I’m glad they’re finally paying attention to it.”
Visitors from out of town have also expressed safety concerns. People like Brad Blair, who was visiting from Indiana with his family, admitted he was hesitant about coming to Austin parks after hearing reports of vehicle burglaries.
“You don’t want to have to pay for a broken window or anything like that,” Blair said.
In addition to surveillance upgrades, police are collaborating with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office to ensure repeat offenders face prosecution. Rogers noted that organized groups are often behind these crimes, targeting wallets, purses, phones, and other valuables left in vehicles.
Rogers acknowledged that staffing shortages have limited their ability to monitor parks effectively, but said they are working toward increasing police presence and park ranger patrols. Mounted patrols and stationing officers in parking lots are among the strategies being implemented to deter crime.
Despite the challenges, officials stressed that Austin’s parks remain relatively safe.
“It’s really important to recognize how safe the parks are considering there’s 355 parks in the city, and 90% of our issues occur within three to four parks,” Rogers said.
The city hopes these measures will reassure residents and visitors while reducing property crime at Austin’s most popular outdoor destinations.