Highland Street Truck Thieves Caught Thanks to AirTag and Constable Patrol

Reader’s Story Contribution By Anne Galbraith

We've been collecting stories about how the WHCA Constable Patrol impacts the neighborhood. Here is one from a neighbor on Highland, who, after multiple stolen trucks on that street, followed her neighbor's lead, signed up for the Constable Patrol, and invested in an AirTag as well.

"YEAH, SO THE F150 GOT STOLEN. Second truck now. They got in via an iPad, and an app that runs code until it hits your truck, then pulled that wire on the last photo, and recoded the ignition so they could drive it. My key no longer worked. I tracked this one with the AirTag I had hidden in the truck. I gave the constables the location; they were parked there waiting for us. The thieves parked it before the next crew of a**holes picked it up. It looks like kill switches are about to be installed in both trucks," - Anne Gallbraith.

One other suggestion from Anne is, "Report street lights that are dead. The one outside of our house has been dark for months. EVERYONE should check their poles with street lights to ensure they are lit. Get the pole number that is tagged onto the pole and report the outage via a call to CenterPoint or by using their online portal at https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/pages/changeservicearea.aspx?requesturl=/en-us/residential/services/electric-utility/outage-center/street-light-outages."

And the WHCA Constable provided follow up after the incident, stopping by to personally meet with Anne regarding the incident and how to be pro-active about safety,

“We discussed different ways to keep the neighborhood aware of criminal activity in order to protect ourselves and others. He was very motivated and responsive!”

WHCA Constable Patrol Activity Report Working Diligently to Keep Woodland Heights Safe

Hi Woodland Heights neighbors,
Here’s our most recent security report. As always, we want to keep our community informed and safe. Friendly reminder, please call the Constable Dispatch line at (713) 755-7628 to report any suspicious activity or incidents, even if they seem minor—like a wagon or package stolen, or cars being rummaged through. Reporting helps the Deputies identify patterns and know if similar incidents are happening repeatedly in our area. Even small reports help paint a bigger picture.

Please note: We've seen an increase in truck thefts in our neighborhood, as well as across the Houston Heights area.

Helpful Tips to Prevent Truck Theft (and theft from trucks):

1. Always lock your doors – Even in your driveway.

2. Remove valuables – Don’t leave bags, tools, or electronics visible inside.

3. Hide or remove key fobs – Thieves often target trucks with push-button start and nearby key fobs.

4. Use a steering wheel lock – A simple but strong visual deterrent.

5. Consider GPS tracking, a kill switch, or a hidden AirTag – AirTags have recently helped recover two stolen trucks in Woodland Heights. 

6. Park smart – If possible, park in well-lit areas or in a garage. Backing into your driveway can also make theft harder.

7. Install security cameras or motion lights – These are a great deterrent and can help capture important footage.

Thanks to everyone for staying alert and keeping Woodland Heights a safe and connected community!

WHCA Constable Patrol Activity Report Working Diligently to Keep Woodland Heights Safe

At Tuesday night's WHCA Member Meeting, the WHCA Constable Patrol Deputies provided the following information regarding key incidents they have addressed in our neighborhood over the last month, including:

• 900 Block of Ridge - A 17-year-old was arrested after being found passed out in his car. He was in possession of cocaine, mushrooms, marijuana, marijuana vape pens, a narcotics scale, and small plastic baggies used for packaging drugs. He was taken into custody and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver.

• Law Office on Byrne - A man was arrested after being found high on meth and attempting to use the law office's hose to bathe.

• Watson Street - An intoxicated driver was arrested.

• McDonald's Incident - A man was having a mental health crisis and waving a knife around near McDonald's. Deputy Suggs was on scene within minutes and was able to get him the help he needed.

• Euclid Street - The driver of an 18-wheeler who was detouring through our neighborhood because of I-10 construction was ticketed for hitting parked cars on Euclid Street.

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New Families Support the WHCA Constable Patrol Program

We are grateful to welcome 62 new families to the WHCA Constable Program in 2025! Your support helps keep our neighborhood safe by funding dedicated law enforcement patrols in Woodland Heights.

• 2025 decals and yard signs are being delivered! Thank you for your patience. Our previous decal and sign vendor retired, and after some research, we've found a great new partner—LP Printing, the same company that helps with the Home Tour signage. 

• Thank you to Woodland Street neighbor Becky Brown for helping with sign deliveries! 

• New "Patrolled by Precinct One" street signs have been installed throughout the neighborhood. There are eight in total, so be sure to look for them as you're out and about!

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Sign Up or Renew Today - Price Change Coming April 1

Consider joining the Constable Patrol Program. Now is a great time! The current annual membership rate is $350, but it will increase to $420 on April 1. Don't miss the chance to renew or sign up at the lower rate!

A huge thank you to all our new and returning members - your participation makes a real difference in keeping Woodland Heights safe!

Volunteers Needed!

While we expect a little attrition from the Constrable Patrol due to the new price, we will work to ensure that neighbors are aware of the program's existence and how it helps make the neighborhood safer.

Of around 2000 homes in the neighborhood, only 475 support the WHCA Constable Patrol program. This falls short of covering the entire cost of the constable's contract. The remaining cost is covered by funds WHCA raises through events like the Home Tour and LITH. Clearly, the numbers show there's room to grow the program, so the WHCA is embarking on a renewed effort to promote it to all Woodland Heights neighbors.

We're seeking volunteers to help with our promotional efforts. We're already producing fliers, door hangers, and other signage to promote the program. We need a team of committed neighbors to help see these goods distributed.

Word of mouth works, too! Talk to your neighbors! Encourage them to support the program. If just one in three existing constable patrol supporters could sign up one new member, we'd not have to raise the price at all.

WHCA Constable Patrol Activity Report

01/01/2025 - 01/31/2025
By Beth Sorensen

If you have already registered as a WHCA Constable Patrol member, thank you for supporting this service. If you are not, we invite you to join by clicking the button below and help make Woodland Heights a safer community.

Have you had a positive experience with our Constable that made a difference in your life or the safety of our community? We want to hear about it! Whether it was help during an emergency, assistance with a concern, or simply their presence making you feel secure, your stories matter.

Please share your story with us by emailing security@woodland-heights.org. Your experiences help highlight the Constable's important role in keeping Woodland Heights safe and thriving.

Thank you for taking the time to share your gratitude and support!

Announcing the February 2025 WHCA Member's Meeting

Tuesday, Feb 18, 2025 at 7:00 p.m
Zion Lutheran Church
3606 Beauchamp St,
Houston, TX 77009

With Guests:

• Precinct One Constable Allen Rosen

• COH District H Council Member Mario Castillo

• Precinct One Deputy Constable Jacob Lemmons

• Precinct One Deputy Constable Amanda Suggs

• HPD Representative

Thank you for your patience as we worked through the rescheduling of the February Members Meeting. As previously indicated, the topic of the meeting is the WHCA Constable Patrol and issues of neighborhood security.

About the Constable Patrol Program

The WHCA Constable Patrol was established in 2011. The program provides two Precinct One Constables dedicated to Woodland Heights, to supplement existing law enforcement services. It is a supplemental patrol that is paid for through subscriptions by residents.

For some years the revenue raised by Constable Patrol supporters has not fully covered the cost of contract. WHCA subsidized the program with funds raised by the association's special events (the bi-annual Home Tour and Lights in the Heights). This has become unsustainable. We currently have no choice but to increase the price of subscriptions to meet the escalating cost of the program. This is the first price increase since 2019!

This member's meeting is firstly to explain the current status of the program, it's cost and benefits, and chart a path forward. We'll be announcing a new price for Constable Patrol subscriptions effective April 1, 2025.

At present, only 472 of 2000 homes in Woodland Heights support the Constable Patrol Program. Given this fact, we are also be seeking community support to grow the number of Constable Patrol subscribers. With more homes supporting the program, it can be expanded, and additional measures considered to enhance neighborhood security.

Neighborhood Security More Broadly

Some weeks ago there was an incident that has alarmed and upset many neighbors. This warrants a more general discussion of neighborhood security. With this in mind, we have invited an array of guests from law enforcement and local government to inform our discussion. We anticipate an animated, respectful, and informative Q&A session.

Please note: While this is a officially WHCA Member's Meeting, all Woodland Heights residents are welcome.

Have you seen this man?

UPDATE/WANTED: Photo of Carlos Jose Ayala Morales, 43, now charged with felony attempted indecency with a child in an incident in the 800 block of Omar St. on Jan. 27

Tips about his whereabouts? Call Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS for a reward up to $5K.

Help detectives ID this suspect wanted for inappropriately grabbing & touching a female, 7, in the 800 block of Omar St. just after 3 p.m. on Monday (Jan. 27).

The male was also seen on foot on Reagan and Watson Streets nearby. Any residents who have any video, please contact our detectives at 713-986-3300.

Know his ID? Call Crime Stoppers of Houston 713-222-TIPS for a reward up to $5K.

WHCA Constable Patrol Activity Report - December 2024

By Beth Sorenson

If you are already registered as a WHCA Constable Patrol member, thank you for supporting this service. If you are not, we invite you to join by clicking the button below and help make Woodland Heights a safer community.

For December 2024, the Constable Patrol reported the following activity.

Have you had a positive experience with our Constable that made a difference in your life or the safety of our community? We want to hear about it! Whether it was help during an emergency, assistance with a concern, or simply their presence making you feel secure, your stories matter.

Please share your story with us by emailing security@woodland-heights.org. Your experiences help highlight the important role the Constable plays in keeping Woodland Heights safe and thriving.

Thank you for taking the time to share your gratitude and support!

National Night Out - October 1st

"Won't you be my neighbor?"  Neighborhoods mean many different things to a lot of different people…ranging from a place denoted by boundary lines to a group of homes that are close to each other with people who may or may not know each other. The Woodland Heights, a neighborhood with a rich history dating back to 1907, like Houston has evolved over the years. With many neighbors working from home or choosing to live in the Woodland Heights for the schools and amenities offered by living inside the loop there are neighbors who may not have a moment to take advantage of their front porches or chat across their fences to meet their neighbors.

Today, we're inviting you to come out and meet some of your neighbors, friends, and future friends on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, for the WHCA National Night Out from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on the Norhill Esplanade.

Thanks to Joann Lammons with Sotheby's Realty, a fellow Woodland Heights resident and realtor, for generously sponsoring Dippin' Dots as a sweet treat for the kids! When asked why she contributes to the WHCA National Night Out event, Joann responded,

"I am proud to be a member of the Woodland Heights Community. It brings me back to my roots of uptown New Orleans with like architectural styles, legendary live oaks, walk-ability and wonderful neighbors. I love to support NNO as it honors our brave law enforcers and offers joint community programs for safety awareness. Not to mention a fun excuse for gathering our community!"

Parents be sure to come early to National Night Out as Dippin' Dots are available while supplies last.

In addition, the It's a Wrap food truck will be on site with its popular wraps ready for purchase. Guli Essa. The owner of It's a Wrap began her food truck career in 2011 when the retail store she was managing decided to close and gave her two days' notice. Instead of wondering what her next step would be, Guli followed her dream of owning her own business. Since then, she's been rolling out healthy food varieties that reflect what she likes to eat. The name of the truck is a nod to her LA roots and the movie business where "when you finish a movie, you say, 'it's a wrap." She's also carried the theme a little further by naming all her wraps after movies or something related to movies.

So, bring your lawn chairs, get your kids a Dippin' Dot, buy a wrap from It's a Wrap food truck, and enjoy a fun-filled night out with your neighbors while celebrating National Night Out.

What is National Night Out?
National Night Out was the brainchild of Matt A. Peskin from Philadelphia, but its success is a testament to the power of community. In 1970, Mr. Peskin was a volunteer working with the Lower Merion Community Watch program in cooperation with the Lower Merion Police Department. He patrolled his neighborhood, assisted in patrol dispatch, and ran the program's newsletter. In search of new content for the newsletter, he went to surrounding neighborhoods for assistance and noticed the need for a shared platform to connect citizens interested in safer neighborhoods. This was the seed for the next step in the development of the program that would become National Night Out.

In 1970, he established the National Association of Town Watch to provide community watch groups with information, resources, and assets to stay informed, interested, involved, and motivated within the community. Then, three years later, in 1984, the NATW organization held the first National Night Out with the simple goal of increasing participation in local crime prevention efforts by uniting entire communities for a single night. That first night, 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states participated. Today, communities celebrate National Night Out events on either the first Tuesday in August or the first Tuesday in October to take into account the difference in weather temperatures across the entire country. We opt for the first Tuesday in October here in Houston due to our weather temps!

What is the goal?
At the National Night Out program's core is the goal of connecting neighbors, promoting community, and raising awareness about police-community partnerships. For us, it's a chance to strengthen the bonds within our Woodland Heights neighborhood and show our support for local law enforcement by uniting our community on this one night in the hopes of uniting it for the future.

HPD Resource: Protect Against Catalytic Converter Theft

Catalytic converter thefts are up 150% from this time last year. The Houston Police Department encourages you to view a video by HPD Auto Theft Crime Task Force for tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of catalytic converter theft. Read about the new ordinance that Council passed to help deter theft here.

Nominate for 2022 Board Elections

In accordance with the WHCA bylaws, an election will be held at our Annual meeting on the second Tuesday of May. The WHCA is now accepting nominations for seats on the Woodland Heights Civic Association Board.

An election will be held at our 2022 Annual meeting on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 for the following Board of Directors positions:

• President

• Dir - Beautification

• Dir - Communications

• Dir - Deed Restrictions

• Dir - Security

Go to the 2022 Nominating Form and nominate yourself or a neighbor - woodland-heights.org/board-elections

Security Report

Nancy Hennessy, who is in charge of constable patrol divisions, had a few security tips for the summer:

• People are traveling more, so please utilize vacation watch.

• Set alarms

• Secure property (bikes, lawn equipment, etc.)

• Keep garage doors closed so passerby's won’t be tempted to come back and steal

• Be aware when you are out driving that you are not followed home

• Beware of tree trimming scams and utility companies wanting access to your backyard. They get you to show them your trees or utility lines and, in the meantime, someone is in the house stealing things. Also ask for ID if you are not sure.

• Remember, if you have a yard service, let them know to keep everything secure while working. It is very common to have equipment and supplies stolen from their vehicles.

Are you a Constable Patrol subscriber? Sign up here:
 https://www.woodland-heights.org/store

-Margaux Poizat, Director of Security
security@woodland-heights.org

WHCA SECURITY REPORT - April

Our neighborhood continues to make me smile. There is something to be said about kids biking to school. People walking in the streets and biking in the streets. We kind of have the six degrees of Kevin Bacon in our community. You meet new people and you will find they know someone you know. This keeps our community secure and close knit.

We are lucky to have the means to have a constable program. We not only have one, but two shifts. However, we are still lacking the number of subscribers required to maintain two patrols. We will always have our connections and neighbors to look out for us but do we want to lose a constable shift? Sign up and spread the word. https://www.woodland-heights.org/store

-Margaux Poizat, Director of Security
security@woodland-heights.org

On behalf of Deputy Vest:

• School is almost out.

• Make sure your cars are locked and valuables are not visible.

• Remember we have vacation watch.

• Please call the dispatch with anything, no matter how big or small.

WHCA SECURITY REPORT - MARCH

Security Report

If it wasn’t for COVID, I probably wouldn’t be in this board position. I don’t like talking in front of people I don’t know. I find it difficult sometimes to get my point across without too much emotion. :) Surprisingly, Zoom made it easier. I’m embarrassed to say I never went to an in-person general meeting before I was on the board. I had my opinions and felt strongly about them, however I did nothing. So I guess I'm making up for some lost time. I have been in this position for almost a year. My first communication in the newsletter started with "Be someone…. be someone who participates in this program…. be someone who tells their neighbors the benefits of having two constable shifts…. be someone that lets the program coordinators know what needs to improve." Thank you to those of you who have been someone who believes in the mission of this program and the benefits it brings to our neighbors and families. There's still work to do, but it's been a year full of progress and lots of familiar and new, friendly neighborhood faces. Thank you to all who have come out to see us!

Sign up now at:

https://www.woodland-heights.org/store

-Margaux Poizat, Director of Security
security@woodland-heights.org

Below is our March Security Report:

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

WHCA SECURITY REPORT - FEBRUARY

Security Report

Thank you to all our current subscribers to the constable program who came to see us and pick up their 2021 stickers! Come see us for the next sticker pick-up at Active Passion on April 24th from 10am-2pm! If you want to make a morning of it, Active Passion will be hosting their Earth Day plogging event.

If you have any questions or concerns email Margaux Poizat at security@woodland-heights.org.

Sign up now at:

https://www.woodland-heights.org/store

-Margaux Poizat, Director of Security

Below is our February Security Report:

WHCA SECURITY REPORT - JANUARY

Thank you neighbors who are current subscribers to our constable program. We've had two successful weekends of Constable Patrol sign and sticker pick-ups. We know a few of you were inconvenienced after we cancelled the first date due to the impending storm because we "didn't want to freeze" and man, if we had only known what was coming! Then we changed the location up on you guys and, I'll be honest, I didn't do the very best job getting the word out. We're trying to make sure everyone can get their stickers and I think we did a littler bit better on our second try. We're planning future pop-ups with new merchandise that we have on order and can't wait to see who we see next!

Our success with these pop-ups has really been tri-fold! We've enjoyed being able to get out and see our neighbors. Having been in pseudo-lockdown for a year has been trying and just getting to talk to folks about the neighborhood, the 100 year home program, neighbor's four-legged friends and life has reminded us of everything we have to look forward to in the coming months and year. Additionally, membership in the program is UP! Big thanks to our volunteers for setting up these events and to our neighbors for coming out and saying hello! As always, if you have any questions about the program, email our Director of Security, Margaux Poizat, at security@woodland-heights.

Below is our January Security Report:

WHCA SECURITY REPORT - DECEMBER

Thank you neighbors who are current subscribers to our constable program. In addition to their normal duties such as patrolling, responding to alarm calls and dispatch requests and performing vacation watch checks, our deputies take care of our four-legged neighbors. Luna was not arrested for criminal behavior; she was reunited with her family after a little neighborhood adventure. Thank you Deputy Vest for helping runaway neighborhood pets and strays!

Below is our December Security Report:

WHCA SECURITY REPORT

Thank you neighbors who are current subscribers to our constable program. I would like to share what the program means for our neighborhood. 

We have two deputy patrols each working 40 hours per week.  They patrol in marked cars to deter crime. Duties include:

• Answering alarm calls;

• Responding to HPD dispatch requests;

• Performing vacation watches and free home security inspections for subscribers; 

• Basic law enforcement activities (speeding tickets, traffic stops, arrests etc.)

Deputy Vest wanted to relay a few things to our community. 

1. As everyone starts throwing there awesome gift boxes out. remember to turn the boxes inside out. You don’t want to advertise what you got for Christmas. 

2. Don’t  leave valuables in your car and to not leave it unlocked. This seems like a no brainer but it happens all the time. 

3. As usual if something just doesn’t look right, call it in. 

WHCA Security Update

I love to listen to music loud while my windows are rolled down and my hair is whipping around every which way. One particular evening, REM was playing…

Eye of a hurricane, listen to yourself churn………..It’s the end of the world as we know it…..

And I wasn’t feeling so fine. In fact, I almost ran over my neighbor when he was walking his dog……..What?

Did I get your attention? No one was hurt or even close to it, but I did talk to my neighbor. We talked about current events, life, religion and all the big things :) After our very detailed five minute conversation, he asked me something…”do you remember that Dr. Seuss quote?”

We’ve got to make noises in greater amounts!
So open your mouth lad for every voice counts!!!!!!!!

How are you going to make your voice count?
I’ll use my voice to ask, have signed up for
the constable patrol program?

August numbers:

• 2 motor vehicle burglaries

• 2 theft other

• 1 Missing person

• 1 stolen vehicle

• 1 arson

A missing person who wondered away from home was found promptly by Deputy Vest and HPD. The son was very complementary about our constable.

Neighborhood Security Report

I would like to start off by welcoming Deputy Vest back to the neighborhood. He was out for quite some time due to Covid 19. Here are a few words he wanted to share with our community; “I would like to personally thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers when I was out sick. It means a lot to me and my family.” He also wanted me to add that our community are his eyes and ears of the neighborhood. If you see anything out of the ordinary, please do not hesitate in calling.Thank you and our neighbors for everything you do.

Number to remember:
Precinct one dispatch
713-755-7628

 Those not subscribed who call may finally ask them selves, why have I waited so long to sign up?

Activity in our neighborhood for the month of July

• Burglary in motor vehicle 1

• Criminal mischief 1

• Theft other 1

• Suspicious person 4

• Traffic stop 8

• Stolen vehicle 1

• Local alarm 1

Margaux Poizat
WHCA, Director of Security