Auto Theft Unit

Sergeant Jo Ann Buihner

Sergeant Jo Ann Buihner is the supervisor for the Auto Theft Unit. The Misdemeanor Unit is responsible for the investigation of all misdemeanor crimes such as Theft, Criminal Mischief, Harassment, and Lost / Found Property. These detectives review each case and pursue all leads that could likely lead to the arrest of suspect (s) determined to be responsible for these crimes

The Auto Theft Unit is responsible for the investigation all stolen vehicles, organized theft rings, recovered vehicles, abandoned vehicles and 68A Inspections. The 68A inspections provided by the Auto Theft Unit are done on Wednesdays at 231 Legion Drive in Richmond Texas, from 8:00 AM to 12 noon and 1PM to 3:30 PM. We do not take appointments. City of Houston and Harris County residents must go there.
We can only do the inspections in clear weather.
You must bring the vehicle or trailer and any paperwork. We do not do inspections at your home or business. We will not provide VIN information over the phone.
Please understand Detectives are doing the inspections and can be called away to emergencies at any time.
For more information or to be certain we are available:
Detective Chapman 281-341-3829
Detective Hartfield 281-341-4699
Detective Adkins 281-341-3879
https://www.google.com/maps/place/231+Legion+Dr,+Richmond,+TX

More often than not, vehicle break-ins and auto thefts are easily preventable. Keys are left in vehicles and / or vehicles are left unlocked with valuables in plain sight — laptop computers, cell phones, purses, GPS gear, sports equipment. Leaving your vehicles unlocked is an easy target of opportunity. Car burglars will go from vehicle to vehicle lifting the door handles. If the vehicle is unlocked, they then steal whatever valuables are inside the vehicle

Helpful tips to prevent vehicle burglaries and thefts:

1. Hide your valuables or take them with you.
2. Never hide a second set of keys in or on your car.
3. Park in well-lit areas or attended lots.
4. Never leave your car running.
5. Do not leave the registration, title, or personal documents in your car.
6. Park with your wheels turned toward the curb, and use your emergency brake.
7. If you have a garage use it, however, do not leave the garage door opener in your vehicle.
8. Disable your vehicle when leaving it unattended for an extended period.
9. Engrave your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or personal I.D. number on expensive accessories and parts.
10. Get an ignition or fuel kill switch.
11. Get locks for inside your car. e.g. steering wheel locks, floorboard locks, gearshift locks, wheel locks, hood locks, or an armored collar around the steering column.
12. Install an alarm.
13. Install a vehicle tracking device.
14. When purchasing a used vehicle, be very thorough to make sure that it is not stolen.