Which Houston-area shopping centers attract most crime?

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Shoplifting is just one example of the kinds of crime that tends to increase during the holiday shopping season. This made us wonder, which shopping centers in our area attract the most crime.

What we found is based on last year's numbers. Houston police officers are firm believers that you control this year's. They advise leaving purses at home and taking only one credit card, along with your driver's license or ID.

In the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, lugging bags to and from, shopper Tracey Parker is extra careful.

"Make sure I have my keys out, so that I'm prepared, and I make sure I'm definitely aware of what's going on around me, especially when I have my little ones with me," Parker said.

Paying attention is your best line of defense against those looking to commit a crime of opportunity.

Mary Hawkins has a second line of defense, her son.

"I always try to come with her wherever she goes," Deric Hawkins said.

So where are the safest places to shop?

Using our exclusive Crime Tracker, we added up last December's reported thefts, assaults and robberies in and around local malls.

Not surprisingly, we found the highest number of crimes at the biggest mall -- The Galleria. It had six vehicle break-ins and one pick-pocketing last December.

Greenspoint and Willowbrook are tied for second, with six crimes each.

Memorial City, Sharpstown and Baybrook all had five. Northline and Meyerland had four incidents; Town and Country had one, and Gulfgate had none.

Many malls like Memorial City have visible security, but Houston police officer Jim Woods says it's mostly about the individual.

"If you're not paying attention and you're not being aware of what's around you, you can be a potential victim," Woods said.

And you don't even have to be around. Shopping safety, he says, starts at your car.

"Before I came here, I emptied my car out," shopper Teresa O'Donnell said.

That's exactly what officers suggest. Also, they say you should make your most expensive purchases last and go immediately home from there.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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HISD to launch Parent Super Centers

HOUSTON -- The Houston Independent School District and Microsoft are partnering to launch new Parent Super Centers across the district in an effort to promote parent engagement on campus.

"Research shows that increased parent engagement on campus leads to increased academic performance of students," said HISD Superintendent Terry Grier. "HISD is committed to providing resources on campus to help parents become more involved in their children's education."

Each new HISD Parent Super Center will have 12 desktop computers fully loaded with the latest version of Microsoft Office, internet access, laser printers and other software.

"In today's digital world it's essential for parents, students and members of the community to have access to technology, which is why we are delighted to partner with HISD," said Lori Aulds, Microsoft's education sales director. "Microsoft has been and will always be committed to providing people with the training, education and tools needed to improve their digital literacy skills and grow in today's economy."

In addition, parents will receive computer training through Parent Engagement and curriculum provided by Microsoft to help them be computer savvy and master basic computer skills.

These centers will be available for parents to use before and after school, during summer school and on Saturdays during tutorials.

HISD Parent Super Centers will be located in the following schools: Sam Houston MSTC High School, 9400 IrvingtonSutton Elementary, 7402 Albacore DriveKelso Elementary, 5800 SouthmundDeady Middle School, 2500 BroadwayHartman Middle School, 7111 WestoverGet more In the Classroom »

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Free Events at Houston Parks and Recreation Centers

Thief steals credit cards from gym lockers at fitness centers

FRIENDSWOOD, TX (KTRK) -- Friendswood police have surveillance video they hope will help them catch a man who has been stealing from lockers while people work out at the gym. They believe he may be hitting more than one location.

Gyms like the 24 Hour Fitness in Friendswood often warn members there's no guarantee their valuables will be safe, even if they're put away in a secure locker.

"I lock them in my truck," said gym member George Carr. "I don't take my watch or my cell phone or my billfold in there."

Bringing that point home is an unidentified man, who's now wanted by Friendswood police. He was caught on a surveillance camera walking into a Target store after investigators say he broke into someone's gym locker at a 24 Hour Fitness on FM 528 and stole a credit card. The suspect could be seen buying a 40-inch flat screen TV. Police are carefully reviewing the footage.

Friendswood Police Chief Robert Wieners said, "I think he's probably going to be connected to a series of thefts that are occurring in gyms or workout facilities."

It's happened at least one other time at the same 24 Hour Fitness. Police aren't sure how the suspect is getting into the gym, since members are required to check in at the front desk. Patrons we talked to say they'll start taking the necessary precautions.

"People have the opportunity or whatever and they are nefarious enough. I guess people do what they do," said gym member Richie Reeves. "But if you're not naive and lock your stuff up, you shouldn't have a problem."

Police say someone out there knows who the man in the video is. Investigators think he may not have been acting alone. We also contacted 24 Hour Fitness for a comment and are awaiting a response.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Beat the Heat centers open in Houston

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A hot weekend is ahead with dangerous heat and humidity. Today, temperatures will climb back into the high 90s after Houston hit 100 degrees yesterday -- the earliest it's ever been that hot here.

Reliant Energy is opening its cooling centers around town, and offering assistance for those who may have trouble with their summer electric bills. The city of Houston Health Department has 10 multi-service centers available across the city as Beat the Heat Centers. They're open every day starting Thursday from 8am to 5pm.

"The heat in Houston, in the summer with no air, you know that it's very hot," said Judy Harris with Houston's Department of Health and Human Services. "Take advantage of it, not only just to get out of the heat, but also the socialization. You can go to a center and be around other people and pass the day talking to people and not just being home alone by yourself in the heat."

Each center has a program for providing children with lunch and an afternoon snack. Residents can call 311 for assistance locating the center closest to them.

Acres Homes Multi-Service Center, 6719 W. Montgomery, 77091 - 713-694-9274Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center, 6402 Market Street, 77020 - 713-670-2143Fifth Ward Multi-Service Center, 4014 Market Street, 77020 - 832-393-3800Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center, 3810 West Fuqua, 77045 - 832-393-4200Kashmere Multi-Service Center, 4802 Lockwood, 77026 - 832-393-5503Southwest Multi-Service Center, 6400 High Star, 77074 - 713-778-6500Sunnyside Multi-Service Center, 4605 Wilmington Street, 77051 - 713-732-5030Third Ward Multi-Service Center, 3611 Ennis Street, 77004 - 713-527-4005West End Multi-Service Center, 170 Heights Blvd, 77007 - 713-803-1050Magnolia Multi-Service Center, 7037 Capitol Street, 77011 - 713-928-9515McGuire-Dent Recreation & Fitness Center, 2222 28th Street Galveston, TX 77550 Wright Cuney Recreation Center, 718 41st Street Galveston, TX 77550

Reliant Energy provides assistance during the summer for customers whose bills become so high they cannot afford to pay the entire thing at once. Other energy providers also often provide some type of assistance program.

The Houston Department of Health and Human Services recommends people begin taking precautions against high heat and humidity to prevent illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Doctors say the elderly and children are most at risk for heat-related illnesses. That is why some parents and coaches say they are keeping a close watch on children, especially those involved in outdoor activities.

"Every 15 minutes, we take a water break for the kids so we don't dehydrate," said football coach Dan Jackson. "We are out here doing drills and hitting and tackling. We don't want anyone to dehydrate and muscles tighten up or anybody get hurt."

To prevent heat-related illnesses: Increase water consumption. Drink lots of liquids even before getting thirsty, but avoid those with caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar because these can actually result in the loss of body fluid. Conduct outdoor work or exercise in the early morning or evening when it is cooler. Outdoor workers should drink plenty of water or electrolyte-replacement beverages and take frequent breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned facility. People unaccustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment need to start slowly and gradually increase heat exposure over several weeks. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that permits the evaporation of perspiration. Do not leave children, senior citizens or pets unattended in a vehicle. A wide-brimmed hat helps prevent sunburn as well as heat-related illness. Sunscreen also protects from the sun's harmful rays and reduces the risk of sunburn. If the house is not air-conditioned, seek accommodations in air-conditioned facilities during the heat of the day: multi-service centers, malls, movie theaters, libraries, etc. Take frequent cool baths or showers if your home is not air-conditioned.

Stay alert to heat advisories. The National Weather Service declares a Heat Emergency when the heat index, a computation of the air temperature and humidity, reaches 108 degrees on two or more consecutive days. A heat index of 108 is a potential health threat for all people and is particularly dangerous for high-risk groups.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Area Level-One trauma centers fight for funding

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The Houston area's Level One trauma centers are joining forces to keep the state's budget crunch from affecting the way they save lives.

Officials from Ben Taub, Memorial Hermann and UTMB in Galveston are urging the state to continue funding critical care facilities in Texas. They say since 2004, the state has cut in half the money designated for trauma centers and it's having a major impact on patient care. ""The financing that comes from the state legislature to the trauma centers is extremely important. Without that funding, death rate will go up in Houston, in Texas and across the United States," said Memorial Hermann Trauma Center Surgeon Dr. John Holcomb. The Houston-Galveston area has only three Level One trauma centers. In comparison, Boston has eight and Chicago has seven. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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