The Laredo Police Department is recognized in an awards ceremony held in Houston for their outstanding efforts in addressing auto theft in Laredo. Auto theft has been a major issue in the Gateway City, and local officials say this award proves that the police department is doing everything they can to combat the problem. Our Cynthia Cano has the story.
" 'Tim and Ann...the Laredo Police department received a major reward for a job well done.' Officer Joe Baeza: 'we were 1 of 3 departments out of a total of 30 police departments in the state of Texas that received recognition for their valiant efforts, operations, and outreach campaigns regarding auto theft.' The Laredo Police Department was the proud recipient of the 2009 Task Force Award. The award recognized their efforts in preventing auto theft in our community. Through community outreach programs and preventative campaigns...and recognized their practices in auto theft law enforcement operations. Officer Baeza said, 'we know that we've received some bad rap for it, but if the proof is in anything, it's in this recognition. It's well deserved for those investigators who are assigned to the auto theft task force. That they are doing the most that they can to curtail the problem of auto theft here in our community.' That includes setting up programs like H.E.A.T., also known as the Help End Auto Theft program. The program lets car owners register their cars with the police department so that officers can identify a possible stolen car with ease. Officer Baeza said, 'basically, it's a way to verify if your car is seen out on the street somewhere late at night that it's not a thief that's driving away with it.' The special awards ceremony was held in Houston...and those who attended even got a special surprise. Baeza: 'They had a guest presenter at the conference. It was George Foreman, ex world champ...who gave the division the award. So it was a nice treat for them'. Cynthia Cano, Pro 8 News.' "
Laredo has one of the highest rates of car theft in the country. Despite this, the police department says they feel they are doing a good job handling the situation.