San Marcos sees a spike in auto thefts, asks for additional funds to combat them

KXAN, By Sam Stark, August 25, 2024

SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) – Amid a spike in auto thefts, the San Marcos City Council approved a grant application for $175,000 to combat auto crimes in the city.

According to San Marcos Police data, auto thefts in the city have increased by around 50% — from 103 to 157 – so far this year compared to the same period in 2023. SMPD said asking for additional funding was necessary to thwart the increase in thefts. 

“Region-wide, everyone’s getting hit with auto thefts up and down [Interstate] 35,” said Brandon Winkenwerder, SMPD assistant chief over police operations. “San Antonio Police released that they had 19,000 stolen in a one-year period from May [2023] to May [2024].”

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