The Woodlands' third-quarter law enforcement report shows rise in some crimes in September

The third-quarter law enforcement report for The Woodlands Township covering July, August and September showed an increase in crime categories of note in September compared to earlier in the year.

A total of 379 crimes in categories of note, which include assault, burglary and theft, occurred in September, according to a report given by Capt. Tim Holifield, who heads the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office South Patrol Division. The report includes both Harris and Montgomery counties in The Woodlands. No homicides occurred in the third quarter, according to the report.

The month with the lowest occurrence of crimes of note so far this year was June with 289, according to the report.

Board Vice Chair Bruce Rieser asked about a burglary ring that had been reportedly active in the community, and Holifeld said several arrests had been made of people who were out on bond from other jurisdictions.

“Many of these people ... we’ve identified, and they are utilizing I-45 to have a quick entrance and exit to commit crimes on the I-45 corridor,” Holifield said.

In the third quarter, 80 incidents were recorded in the categories of assault and family violence, 101 motor vehicle burglaries, 24 auto thefts and 162 other thefts.

Also at the meeting, the board decided at the recommendation of Intergovernmental Relations Manager Todd Stephens to remove the COVID-19 standing agenda item from meetings going forward unless there is a need to bring it back. The board cited the lessening of the summer COVID-19 surge as a reason.