Southeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force

09/01/2026

⚠️ VTR-68A INSPECTIONS CANCELLED FOR SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 ⚠️

Due to the forecasted inclement weather, the Southeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force will not be conducting VTR-68A inspections on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. The safety of our personnel and the public is our priority.

Thank you for your cooperation.

08/26/2026

Trailer Theft Prevention 🚨

Don’t make it easy for thieves! Secure your trailer whenever it’s not in use.

Lock it. Secure it. Protect it. 🔒

08/24/2026

On August 24, 2026, a member of the Southeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force was contacted by the Jefferson County Tax Office regarding an individual who was attempting to register a vehicle using a fraudulent title.

Upon arrival, the Task Force investigator made contact with the individual, who stated that they had purchased a 2022 GMC pickup truck through Facebook Marketplace for $18,000.00. During the subsequent investigation, it was determined that the vehicle was a cloned vehicle and had been reported stolen out of Houston, Texas.

The Southeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force reminds the public to exercise caution when purchasing vehicles through private-party sales and online marketplaces. If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is. Always verify the vehicle’s identification, title, and history before completing a purchase.

08/05/2026

⚠️ Buyer Beware: Facebook Marketplace Vehicle Purchases ⚠️

What may look like a great deal can quickly become a costly mistake.

While conducting a VTR 68-A inspections on 8/05/2026, the Southeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force identified this pickup as a cloned vehicle that had been reported stolen out of Stafford, Texas. The buyer may have had no idea they had purchased this stolen vehicle.

Before purchasing any vehicle through Facebook Marketplace or other online marketplaces:

• Ask the seller to provide you the Vehicle Identification Number and check it through the NICB VIN check lookup.
• Make sure the VIN matches the title and registration.
• Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
• Ask for maintenance records and ownership history.
• Meet in a safe, public location.
• If something doesn’t seem right, walk away.

Protect yourself. Do your homework before you buy. A few extra minutes of verification could save you thousands of dollars—and prevent you from unknowingly purchasing a stolen vehicle.

Southeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force

08/04/2026

26-15407 does anyone know who this auto burglar is? If so please contact Det Tina Lewallen with Beaumont PD. This occurred on Eastex in Bmt on 8-1-26. You can call crime stoppers at 409-833-8477. More video in the comments

07/20/2026

**************Reminder***************

The Southeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force will not be conducting VTR 68-A inspections this Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

Weather permitting, inspections will resume next Wednesday during our regularly scheduled inspection hours.

We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience. Please continue to monitor our page for any additional updates.

07/14/2026

We will NOT be conducting 68A inspections on July 22 regardless of weather.

The office will be closed.

07/14/2026

If it is raining, we will not be conducting 68A inspections on Wednesdays

07/13/2026

07/13/2026

Detectives with the Southeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force, working in coordination with the Beaumont Police Department, recovered a large quantity of tools stolen during a recent theft, and vehicle burglary in Beaumont.
The investigation began after detectives received information through the Beaumont Police Department that individuals were in possession of stolen property. Through the investigation, the stolen tools were located in a vehicle, a pawn shop, and returned to their rightful owner.
The investigation remains ongoing, and charges of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity are pending.