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Leon Valley police report: violent crime down but larceny and auto thefts rise; chief seeks grant support
Summary
Police Chief David Gonzalez told council a nine-month snapshot shows violent crime is down year-to-date while property crimes — particularly larceny and auto theft — have increased, concentrated around apartment complexes and large retail parking lots. The chief asked council for continued grant support and funding for equipment and staffing.
David Gonzalez, Leon Valley police chief, presented a nine-month comparison (January–September) showing violent crime declines and increases in property offenses including larceny and auto theft.
Gonzalez identified local hotspots: apartment complexes and large retail parking areas near H-E-B and Hobby Lobby, and he said thieves shift times when police presence increases. “We respond to calls…and we respond to complaints, concerns from citizens,” Gonzalez said. He added that Leon Valley sees daily through-traffic far in excess of the 11,000 resident population, which complicates enforcement.
Councilors asked about tools to deter theft. Several raised whether the city can require property owners to install cameras; staff and the chief said the council cannot force private property owners to install surveillance or security measures but that the department has applied for Flock camera grants and plans to use those as an investigative aid.
The chief also warned that reported shoplifting and larceny figures may understate actual theft because some businesses decline to file reports when an employee must appear in court. He explained that filing often requires a witness to attend, and the cost to businesses of lost work time can discourage prosecution.
Gonzalez asked for ongoing council support for grants and budgeted contributions to patrol officers, equipment and property-room upgrades. He said investigative demands and the volume of reports mean more staff time and technology are needed.
Next steps: Chief Gonzalez will provide the annual report in January (full-year values) and staff will pursue grant-funded camera tools while the council considers resource and budget requests.
