Couple says HPD response was insufficient after $40,000 of tools stolen from storage unit; council members pledge follow‑up

A Houston couple told the council that tools and equipment estimated at about $40,000 were stolen from their cargo trailer while they were on vacation and that they have received limited follow‑up from Houston Police Department investigators.

Katie Odenis said their cargo trailer and tools were taken from a storage unit at 10515 Southwest Freeway in early September 2023. She said the trailer was later located at an impound lot but the tools were missing. She said officers who located a suspect at a private address declined to transport the suspect to a warehouse where additional property allegedly was stored and that she felt the department did not prioritize the case.

Odenis said she provided photographs, screenshots and U‑Haul security footage to HPD, and that the lack of progress has had severe financial consequences for the family. "We have actually became homeless because of this, because we've lost 80% of our income," she said.

Council members who heard the comment asked Odenis to provide details to their offices; Council member Tiffany Thomas and others offered to coordinate with HPD command and provide contact cards for follow‑up. Council member Pollard said the constituent’s concerns would be elevated and questioned why arrests or recovery were not executed when a suspect admitted to possessing the items.

The council did not take formal action during the meeting; members said their offices and HPD personnel would follow up to review the case and the response.