Cars burglarized while parked at National Guard Armory

Victims were away on training mission

HOUSTON – Soldiers who should be focusing on national security while away a training mission are worried about parking lot security after their cars were broken into at the National Guard Armory parking lot.

According to officials, crooks smashed windows, popped locks and even removed car hoods on more than 30 cars parked in the National Guard lot in the 15100 block of Westhiemer Parkway late Sunday night. They won't know the total amount of damage until the soldiers return from their two-week session as some cars may be missing altogether.

Stereo systems and GPS units were some of the items stolen. Family members were forced to assess the damage and losses with their loved ones away on a training mission.

"It's quite frustrating because like you said a lot of these soldiers are actually losing money from their civilian jobs and they come here, making the sacrifices they make and to come home with a burglarized car, in some cases quite badly damaged and parts stolen," National Guard Master Sgt. Charles Wheeler said.

According to officials, the armory plans to increase security to its parking lot.

Houston police are looking for a red Ford F-150 that the suspect responsible may be driving.