AUSTIN, Texas — Major Austin parks and greenbelts have become hot spots for vehicle break-ins lately.
The break-ins come despite signs plastered at Mount Bonnell and the Barton Creek Greenbelt for people not to leave valuables in their cars, and to lock up.
However, Austin police arrested a 21-year-old woman in connection to those break-ins. Police said Armynie White was part of a group “pulling door handles” in the parking lot of Mount Bonnell. White was arrested after a woman called 911 saying her front window was shattered and her purse was gone.
Police said the woman’s purse was recovered, but her credit cards were stolen.
White was allegedly found with the woman’s cards, items purchased using the cards, drugs and a window punch tool, among other items. She’s now been charged with failure to identify as a fugitive and engaging in organized criminal activity. Meanwhile, police said more arrests were made but those charges were pending.
Crime at Mount Bonnell
It’s no secret Mount Bonnell is a hot spot for these types of crimes. If the “there have been several burglaries of vehicles at this location” sign isn’t enough, the shattered glass in the parking lot near the stairs is another reminder.
Corporal Jose Mendez said he wouldn’t call the break-ins an uptick, but he also said he doesn’t see it slowing down.
“This is a crime that’s been around for a while,” Mendez said.
He notes the only difference is that more people are talking about it and reporting it because they’re “fed up.”
“We’re in an era where you have to just lock your vehicle. Your vehicle isn’t safe anymore. Anywhere,” Mendez said. “Whether it’s in your driveway, a public street, or a parking lot – please lock your vehicles, hide your valuables, make sure you’re hiding those things in your trunk.”
Austin police said between Dec. 1, 2024, and Jan. 27, 2025, there have been 302 vehicle burglaries around parks.
Meanwhile, for those who take the stairs to catch a glimpse of what Mount Bonnell offers, or for others who take the trail down to the Barton Creek Greenbelt, they’re doing the best they can when it comes to precautions.
“It’s a norm. We just take precautions,” Rob Franco said as he admitted he frequents the trails less because of the break-ins. “Sad to say, you got to think like a criminal if you want to avoid being a victim of a criminal.”
Franco said in the last 15 years he’s seen crime plague the city and believes more should be done to prevent it.
Meanwhile, KVUE reached out to the city about their efforts to step up security and received the following statement, which read, in part:
“Austin parks are the crown jewels of the city and it’s important that everyone who visits them feels safe and secure to enjoy these valued public spaces. This is a priority for the City Manager and, at his direction, leadership from the Austin Police Department and the Parks and Recreation Department have been meeting to create short- and long-term plans to address security related to car break-ins and other safety concerns.”
As for how Austinites should protect themselves, police gave the following tips:
- Always Lock Your Doors: Ensure that your vehicle doors and windows are securely closed and locked, even if you are only leaving for a short period.
- Hide Valuables: Keep any valuables out of sight, or better yet, take them with you. Items such as bags, electronics, and even loose change can attract unwanted attention.
- Park in Well-Lit Areas: Whenever possible, park in well-lit, populated areas. Thieves are less likely to target vehicles in locations with high visibility and foot traffic.
- Use Anti-Theft Devices: Consider investing in steering wheel locks, alarms, or GPS tracking devices to deter potential thieves.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings when parking or returning to your vehicle and report any suspicious activity.
- Install a Dash Camera: Find a camera that can record when a car is parked and off, or has sensors that can detect motion or impact near the vehicle. Having video evidence of a potential suspect can help detectives in solving your case.