"You Hold the Key" has a simple message - never leave your keys in your car. Every year, thousands of cars are stolen because owners give thieves an easy target.

The Numbers Don't Lie

In 2008, thieves stole nearly 90,000 vehicles in Texas, and in almost half of those crimes, they had an accomplice - the vehicle owner.

Vehicle theft can be a "gateway" crime, meaning it leads to other, more serious crimes. In fact, in 2006, a vehicle stolen in Houston was shipped overseas to be used as a car bomb.

Leaving Keys in Vehicle is Illegal

Yes, that's right. Not only is it illegal to leave your keys in your unattended vehicle, but if your vehicle is stolen with the keys in it, your insurance company may not cover your loss.

Campaign Ads

To drive the point home, TxDMV has developed the following commercials to remind you that you can leave your keys and lose your car or take your keys and keep your car.

Radio Commercials

Bonehead [:30, English]
Bonehead [:30, Spanish]
Bonehead [:60, English]
Bonehead [:60, Spanish]
Accomplice [:60, English]
Accomplice [:60, Spanish]