Staff report

Kyle Police have arrested a man who admitted to a rash of car burglaries in the Silverado and Spring Branch neighborhoods.

According to a City of Kyle press release, authorities arrested Kendall Mcdowell, 20, of Kyle, in connection with the burglaries. According to Hays County Jail records, McDowell was booked on Nov. 16 and is being held on $21,000 bail. The suspect provided Kyle Police with information about a second burglar, who is now sought for questioning in connection with the incidents.

“We had 27 car burglaries over two nights,” Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett said in a statement. 

While at least one car burglar was arrested, Barnett said residents should remain vigilant as other neighborhoods experienced similar car burglaries after the arrest.

Barnett said many of those car burglaries could have been avoided.

“Criminals look for the easiest targets,” he said. “They may walk several blocks and try every car door. If they find one open, it’s like a jackpot for them.”

He advised that all Kyle residents who park in driveways or on the street should lock their doors, every day.

But Barnett said Kyle residents could help deter car burglaries by keeping valuables out of sight in a vehicle.

“If they see something they really want and the car door is locked, they may take the risk to break a window,” he said. “Keeping valuables either out of the vehicle completely or at least out of sight will help deter those who may try to steal items.”

Barnett said anyone with information on car burglaries should report it to the Kyle Police non-emergency number at 512-268-3232. Anyone who may see a burglary in progress is urged to call 911.