We want to make the public aware of the rise in burglaries of storage units in our area. Let your friends know!
We want to make the public aware of the rise in burglaries of storage units in our area and share what we have been working on to combat this crime.
Detectives from the Burglary and Theft and Auto Theft units recently arrested an individual who targeted a storage facility by breaking into several storage units and stealing property from several victims. This same subject also stole a truck from another business during his crime spree. The suspect was located, arrested, and identified as Steven Eric Ray Campbell seen in the photo below. He was charged with: Burglary of a Building, Theft, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Robbery and Evading. He is currently in custody at the Harris County jail with no bond.
Here are a few steps you can take to prevent becoming a victim:
• Use a disc-style lock, which is the toughest lock to cut.
• Be aware of your surroundings when moving items into your unit; watch for people watching you.
• Make sure you properly secure your unit. Sometimes we see issues with people not closing the hasp on their door, which allows the unit to be later accessed by thieves.
• Do not get a unit that is too big. A bigger unit than needed gives thieves more room to work.
• Store your valuable items at the back of your unit so that it is harder to access them. Store items that are not attractive to thieves towards the front.
• Rent a storage unit only at facilities that have adequate, up-to-date surveillance and security systems. Ask that they show you surveillance video where your unit is located.
• Install your own camera and/or motion sensor with remote access capabilities.
• Check on your storage unit periodically. Do not allow weeks or months to go by before you realize that your property has been stolen.
• Take pictures and keep a record along with serial numbers of any property that is in storage.
If you are the victim of a burglary at your storage unit, call our non-emergency number at 713-477-1221 to file a police report.
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