SAN ANTONIO — Hollywood Park Police are warning about thieves on the prowl.
Police reported an incident Tuesday morning involving two cars they said were stolen. Officers suspect the people in the cars were likely going to strike again.
Before four Tuesday morning, a Hollywood Park Police officer reports seeing two cars trailing one another coming into the area on Donella. Police said then one of the cars turned its headlights off. Officer Diana Wilburn says this is a tactic thieves commonly use.
"They try to blackout is what we call it," she said. "Turning their lights off, in order to get away and conceal themselves from the officer."
In video shared by police, the officer is seen following at least one of the cars chasing them through the neighborhood. Once they got out of the area the officers decided to stop the chase.
"It was too dangerous," Wilburn said.
Police said they later learned the cars were in fact stolen and said they were not reported stolen until later on Tuesday morning. Investigators believe the cars had been taken several hours before this incident, and that the owners were unaware.
"These criminals they go and steal vehicles around that time to commit others crimes," the officer said.
In a Facebook post, the Hollywood Park police chief said he was proud of the officer's work.
"Honestly, it just plain makes me happy to see the bad guys leave empty handed, the chief wrote.
However, police are reminding people ahead of the holidays to make sure the cars are locked, and valuables are taken out.
"That's what they are looking for, the easy stuff," Wilburn said.
On social media, San Antonio Police posted about another reminder. SAPD reports, this year, more than 2,400 firearms were stolen from cars. Police said never leave a firearm in your vehicle. Officers said plan ahead and document your serial number on your weapon.