College
Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
Date of Last Revision
2025-04-29 12:40:18
Major
Criminal Intelligence Analysis
Honors Course
CRJU 498
Number of Credits
3
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2025
Abstract
This study examines motor vehicle theft (MVT) trends from 2019 to 2023 in three Central Texas cities—Waco, College Station, and Killeen—using temporal analysis, geospatial hotspot mapping, and make/model data. In Killeen, thefts generally rose over the period, with notable peaks in October and on Mondays. College Station saw an overall decline in thefts but experienced a seasonal spike each March, and Waco’s thefts increased until around 2021 before beginning to fall. Local festivals—such as the Spirit of Texas in College Station and the Heart O’ Texas Fair in Waco—appear to coincide with these seasonal upticks. Hyundais and Kias were most targeted in Killeen; Fords, Chevrolets, and Hondas led thefts in College Station; and Chevrolets, Fords, and Dodges were most often stolen in Waco. A temporary drop in 2021 aligns with COVID-19 lockdowns. Applying Routine Activity and Rational Choice theories highlights how environmental conditions and vehicle security features shape offending patterns, while Social Disorganization Theory helps explain why Killeen’s rates remained higher than those in college towns. Recommended interventions include annual crime bulletins, promotion of vehicle immobilizers, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design surveys, targeted patrols, and participation in auto theft task forces, with continual data review to assess impact.
Research Sponsor
Sarah St. George
First Reader
David Licate
Second Reader
Bill Lyons
Honors Faculty Advisor
David Licate
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Recommended Citation
Njogu, Daniel, "Analyzing Car Theft Trends in Central Texas: A Comparative Study of Waco, College Station, and Killeen" (2025). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 2000.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/2000
Included in
Analysis Commons, Criminology Commons, Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons, Geographic Information Sciences Commons, Policy Design, Analysis, and Evaluation Commons, Statistical Models Commons