HOUSTON – As the school year comes to an end, Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale has partnered with Crime Stoppers of Houston to urge the community to come together and rally behind the safety of Houston children this summer, according to a release.
Mattress Mack joined Crime Stoppers of Houston CEO Rania Mankarious for the 11 a.m. press conference at Gallery Furniture North Freeway location.
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They discussed crime facts, statistics involving youth during the summer months, summer crime risks for youth, how to keep children safe this summer and how the community can get involved in preventing crimes and reporting tips.
According to the release, every day there is a report of a child being shot and killed due to a senseless attack.
“Harris county needs to be a safe place to live, work, play and raise a family,” McIngvale said.
Mankarious said crimes committed by youth are caused by a lack of supervision and schedule and increased daylight hours. She said most of these incidents seem to happen an increase in the afternoon. Additionally, she said stats show that motor vehicle theft rates by juveniles increase in the summer months and property crimes, vandalism, theft and graffiti. These crimes reportedly make up 1/4 of crimes in Texas.
Crime Stoppers suggest the following key efforts to keep kids safe in the Houston area:
- Lock up weapons in homes and vehicles
- Practicing online safety and monitoring screentime
- Address mental health
- Talk about the dangers of drugs, such as fentanyl
- Never leave children or pets alone in a vehicle
- Urge families to secure pools, gates and doors
- Report potential abuse
- Keeps kids engage and busy
During the press conference, Crime Stoppers featured five fugitives who have committed crimes against children:
- Frank Luck Coston, 34, is wanted for aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14.
- Selvin Samuel Sandoval Gomen, 19, is wanted for super aggravated assault of a child 6-14 years old
- Edgar McClain Mayfield, 37, is wanted for DWI with a child under 15 years old
- Annemarie Lynn Murray, 26, is wanted for endangering a child
- Margo Williams, 39, is wanted for injury to a child under 15 years old after hitting a child with a broom/mop