A f E w MI n UTE s I ns I d E , A nd T h E b RIE f CA s E wA s gon E .

Steven allen has been working in Preston Hollow for years, and one weekday visited a client’s home in the averill neighborhood.

“I sell real estate and do remodel and design work,” allen says. “I was doing a full remodel, and I’d gone to the home to meet with painters and an electrician that morning.” at one point, allen had to move his car because of limited parking in front. as he entered the house, he believed he had locked his car with his keychain remote.

“I went outside and parked in the alley, and went back inside for a few minutes,” he says. “I wasn’t sure if I locked it or not.” allen left his client’s house and drove home to Carrollton, not recognizing that he was a victim of crime. also missing were his phone chargers, ski clothing, a pocket camera and his laptop computer. His client’s garage opener, which he had been using to access the home, was also stolen, and he had to contact the client to change the garage opener code.

“I didn’t realize until I got home and reached to grab my briefcase on the passenger side floorboard, and it wasn’t there,” allen says.

“The stuff in the car wasn’t worth much, but all my photos and templates were on my laptop. unfortunately, my backup was in my briefcase,” he says. “It was sort of frustrating because there was a lot on there that I will have to completely re-create.”

Dallas Police Lt. barry Payne of the North Central Patrol Division says criminals work quickly to enter a car, and leaving items of value inside make vehicles an easy target.

“It only takes a few seconds for someone to get into an unlocked car,” he says. “Never leave your car with anything visible inside, either unlocked or locked. If you have an alarm on your car, be sure it is set and works properly.” seaN cHaffiN

Number of applia Nces stole N from lowe’s Home improveme N t oN iN wood road Ja N 8, iNcludiNg 12 was HiNg mac HiN es, t H ree dryers a N d two microwaves

4500 block of a lta v ista w H ere a reside N t walked iN oN a burglar sta N diNg iN H er liviNg room; H e covered His face wit H a black Jacket a N d fled t H e sce N e wit H $6,500 wort H of J ewelry a mou N t of moN ey it cost a driver w Ho H ad His rear seat stole N from His gmc y ukoN, w Hic H was parked iN His froN t driveway iN t H e 4900 block of ridgeside

$800