Car break-ins spiking near Rowlett DART station — lock your doors

Three car break-ins reported in the Downtown Rowlett DART station parking lot in the last two weeks. Rowlett PD confirmed it at the community meeting on Tuesday.

What is happening:

• Thieves are targeting vehicles left in the DART lot during the day while commuters are in Dallas
• All three break-ins occurred on weekdays between 9 AM and 3 PM
• In each case, a window was smashed and bags or electronics visible inside were taken
• One victim had a laptop bag on the back seat. Gone in under 60 seconds.

What Rowlett PD is doing:

• Increased patrol presence in the DART lot during midday hours
• Reviewing DART security camera footage (the lot has cameras at both entrances)
• Working with DART police on a joint response plan

What you should do if you park at the DART station:

• Leave NOTHING visible in your car. Not a bag, not a cable, not a jacket draped over something. These guys are looking through windows.
• Park in the rows closest to the station entrance where foot traffic is highest.
• If possible, park where the security cameras are pointed. The main camera covers the first two rows on the east side.
• Consider using the kiss-and-ride drop-off instead of leaving your car all day.
• If you see someone walking through the lot looking in car windows, call Rowlett PD non-emergency: 972-412-6200.

Report break-ins:

• Rowlett PD: 972-412-6200 (non-emergency) or 911 (in progress)
• DART Police: 214-928-6300
• File a report even if nothing was taken. The stats help justify more patrol presence.

The DART station is a huge asset for Rowlett. We cannot let a few break-ins ruin commuter confidence. Lock your doors, hide your stuff, and report anything suspicious.