Harris County sees rash of car break-ins at gym parking lots; Authorities say thieves may be targeting this item

In less than two weeks, at least five suspects have been arrested for breaking into cars in gym parking lots around Harris County.

A trio was arrested Jan. 20 for motor vehicle burglaries in an EōS parking lot off Louetta Road. Then, six days later and a duo got arrested for breaking into cars in a Lifetime parking lot off Willow Chase Boulevard, according to Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman.

“It’s definitely increasing,” said EōS corporate loss prevention manager Canaan Peacock. “Houston is far above other areas in terms of car break-ins.”

EōS currently operates six gyms in the Houston area with locations in five other states.

“Oftentimes, we are seeing the criminal is staging themselves in the parking lot, waiting for the right opportunity,” Peacock said. “It happens very fast.”

The break-ins aren’t unique to EōS or even gyms.

“It is one of the more frequent types of reports we get,” Lieutenant James Baker with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said.

He said in January, his north Harris County district received about 120 reports of car break-ins, averaging about four per day. The sheriff’s office is split in five districts.

Lt. Baker said it’s not uncommon for thieves to go after guns that may be unsecured.

“If it’s in the car and your car gets broken into, 100% of the time it’s going to be stolen,” Lt. Baker said.

Data doesn’t reveal how many of the 120 January break-ins included the theft of a firearm.

But in 2022, more than 4,400 guns were reported stolen from cars, according to data from the Houston Police Department. KPRC 2 requested 2023 data, but it has not yet been provided.

“We know it’s Texas and a lot of people do carry,” Peacock said. “Oftentimes what we are seeing is members are leaving their firearms inside their vehicles, which does make them a potential target.”

Lt. Baker said the guns can be used by crooks in other crimes, or they’re easy for them to sell and make money.

Peacock said EōS is upgrading camera systems and adding security to some locations. HCSO said deputies are constantly doing everything possible to stop burglars. While working on this story, KPRC 2 spotted a Harris County Precinct 4 Constable deputy patrolling the EōS parking lot on Louetta.

But even with the focus on cracking down on the crimes, there may not be a perfect way to protect yourself.

“It’s certainly the case that if you have nothing in your car, your car could still get broken into,” Lt. Baker said.

HCSO and EōS suggested the following:

• Hide and secure any items left in car
• Leave valuables at home
• Park in a well-lit area
• Lock car
• Report suspicious parking lot activity

Lt. Baker said its not uncommon for the same suspects to re-offend with this type of crime, either.

According to court records, the five suspects arrested in January have all been released on bond.