Seven firearms stolen in 20 vehicle burglaries across Georgetown neighbourhoods
Georgetown, Texas police are investigating 20 vehicle burglaries over one weekend, during which seven firearms were stolen from four neighbourhoods.
Seven guns stolen as Georgetown police probe weekend vehicle break-ins
Georgetown police are investigating 20 vehicle burglaries that took place over a single weekend across four neighbourhoods, cbsaustin.com reports — with seven firearms amongst the stolen items.
The break-ins occurred late at night in the Village, Fairhaven, Teravista and Summercrest neighbourhoods, according to the Georgetown Police Department. Of the vehicles targeted, six were confirmed locked and six were confirmed unlocked; investigators have not yet determined the status of the remaining eight.
Georgetown Police Chief Cory Tchida told reporters that 21 vehicles were documented as broken into, but one victim had two vehicles targeted, reducing the total to 20 burglary cases. The vehicles included 11 trucks, seven SUVs and three sedans.
Surveillance footage showed two masked suspects who appeared to be carrying handguns, police said.
Predictable pattern, serious consequences
Tchida described the suspects' method as straightforward and opportunistic.
"They're wearing gloves, they're wearing masks, they go up to cars, they just pull door handles — car's unlocked, they get in there, and they take whatever they can find that potentially has value," he said.
The theft of seven firearms has drawn particular concern from the department. Tchida was direct in his criticism of residents who leave guns in vehicles.
"It is insanely irresponsible of you to leave a gun in an unlocked car," he said.
He added that vehicle burglaries — despite years of public awareness campaigns — continue to account for a disproportionate share of serious crime in the city.
"There are times where that single crime, burglary of a motor vehicle, accounts for nearly a quarter of our part one crimes. It is the bane of my existence," Tchida said.
Residents caught off guard
Brody Trumble, who lives in one of the affected neighbourhoods, said he was unaware the burglaries had taken place.
"Nothing crazy ever seems to happen in this neighbourhood, so it's very surprising," he said.
Trumble said he routinely locks his car immediately after getting out, but expressed concern about the stolen weapons.
"For something to be stolen that is an item that is pretty dangerous in a random person's hand — it is definitely a scary thing to think about," Trumble said.
A second Georgetown resident echoed the warning, urging neighbours not to let a sense of security breed complacency.
"Just always be on the watch. Don't get too comfortable, and make sure that you report these things to the police," the resident said, adding that firearm owners in particular should keep weapons out of their vehicles.
Declining trend, but periodic spikes remain
Despite the weekend's surge, Georgetown police say the overall number of vehicle burglary cases has fallen in recent years. Department statistics show 308 cases in 2020, 211 in 2021, 290 in 2022, 219 in 2023, 169 in 2024, and 115 so far in 2025.
Tchida said those figures give him some confidence that prevention efforts and the Regional Vehicle Burglary Suppression Task Force are having an effect, even as isolated spikes like this weekend's continue to occur.
Police are asking anyone with surveillance footage or information about the burglaries to contact the Georgetown Police Department.
Source: Google News GY — Georgetown