Cuts In State Funding Could Lead To More Auto Thefts

Cuts In State Funding Could Lead To More Auto Thefts

CORPUS CHRISTI -- A program that keeps your car safe could soon lose a big chunk of its funding. Balancing the state budget means Corpus Christi police could lose $380,000 in grants that help run the auto theft department.

If you have a car, odds are, you'll also feel the pinch. Back in September, Scott Wilmont felt the unpleasant outcome of the common crime that money combats. "I don't even know where to begin with everything," he said as he searched his ransacked car. With a staff of 8, the Auto Theft Department aims to educate, investigate and solve car burglaries and thefts.

The Texas Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority is their main source of funding and it's a program you already pay for. "Funding for the auto theft and car prevention comes from an assessment that's on your insurance," explained Lt. Loren White.

If CCPD doesn't get their portion of that money, the auto theft department will see cuts. They'd lose 3 civilian positions and uniformed officers would be reassigned. Auto theft probably would end up losing the two officers that are grant funded, which means 3 officers will have to do all auto burglaries and car thefts," White explained.

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:sarcasm: