Laredo, Texas, July 29, 2025
News Summary
The Texas Department of Public Safety has announced the recovery of stolen Chevrolet Silverados in Laredo amid an increase in vehicle thefts. Law enforcement continues to investigate a rising trend of truck thefts, particularly targeting popular models. Police urge potential buyers to verify vehicle histories to avoid scams and fraud. Between July 8 and July 15, multiple arrests related to vehicle theft were made, highlighting the serious need for preventive measures among truck owners.
Laredo’s Vehicle Theft Issues Prompt Recovery and Investigation
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced the recovery of two Chevrolet Silverados that were stolen in San Antonio during an ongoing investigation into a surge of vehicle thefts in the region. These recoveries took place at around 4 p.m. on July 11, when the vehicles were found parked near the intersection of West Hillside Road and Gallagher Avenue. Both Silverados exhibited damage to the driver side key holes, and further evidence processing is underway.
In a separate case, Laredo police recovered a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado that had been sold on Craigslist; the vehicle had been reported stolen from Houston. The individual who purchased the Silverado was not aware of its stolen status, raising concerns about the safety of online vehicle transactions. In light of this, Laredo police have urged consumers to verify a vehicle’s history using the VIN and recommend meeting in safe locations for title transfers to avoid fraudulent purchases.
The rise in truck thefts, particularly among models like the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado, has led to increased security measures by truck owners. Local businesses are seeing a surge in customers upgrading security systems. Additionally, a local manager reported a significant uptick in sales of theft mitigation products as drivers seek to protect their investments.
Over a span from July 8 to July 15, state police across Texas recovered seven stolen vehicles, highlighting an alarming trend in motor vehicle thefts. Notably, actions taken during this time included the detention of a juvenile for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and evading arrest while driving a Ford F-150. Law enforcement also arrested several individuals on various charges related to vehicle theft, such as Victor Manuel Morales, 39, who was apprehended on July 13 while driving a 2021 GMC Denali, and Emir Dalid Garcia, 19, arrested on July 15 for multiple offenses including evading arrest while in possession of a red Chevrolet Silverado.
A particularly brazen theft involving Vicente Villicana Jr., 21, was reported, where he stole a Chevrolet Silverado from a local hotel and was tracked crossing into Mexico. Surveillance footage confirmed that the Silverado was taken shortly after he was dropped off by a taxi at the Courtyard Marriott on December 10.
The Laredo Police Department (LPD) previously issued warnings about potential scams related to vehicle purchases on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, where unscrupulous sellers may provide fake titles to deceive buyers. As vehicle thefts continue to rise, officials emphasize the importance of vigilance among truck owners and the need for preventive measures to safeguard vehicles against theft.
Vehicle Theft Statistics
During the specified period, law enforcement agencies have been working diligently to combat the increase in vehicle thefts:
- Total vehicles recovered from July 8 to July 15: 7
- Pending investigations into stolen vehicles: Ongoing
- Notable incidents leading to arrests: Multiple
FAQs
What should I do if I suspect a vehicle has been stolen?
How can I verify a vehicle’s history before purchasing?
Are certain vehicles more likely to be stolen than others?
Key Features of Recent Vehicle Theft Incidents
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of Recoveries | Laredo, Texas |
| Theft Trend | Rapid increase in vehicle thefts, especially trucks |
| Recovery Operations | Multiple recoveries by state and local police from July 8 to July 15 |
| Advice for Buyers | Verify history using VIN, avoid suspicious sales |
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Additional Resources
- LMT Online
- Wikipedia: Vehicle Theft
- KRGV
- Google Search: Chevrolet Silverado Theft
- LMT Online
- Google Scholar: Truck Theft Prevention
- LMT Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automobile Security
- LMT Online
- Google News: Texas Vehicle Theft
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
