Lone Star State Auto News Roundup

According to KHOU, police in Colleyville have printed up "Stop Thief!" signs to battle car thieves. The signs, designed to hang from a cars' rear view mirror, tell would-be thieves there are no "valuables, money, computers, purses or briefcases in this vehicle." (Ah, but are there?) Chief Tommy Ingram admits the signs won't actually discourage thieves; they'll remind drivers to hide their valuables. KHOU also reports that back in Washington D.C., Transportation Secretary Mary Peters is urging Congress to allow Mexican trucks to continue driving into the U.S., 'cause halting the trucks would hurt agribusiness. (Opponents fear U.S. job losses and safety issues.) And good news if you're a Texas car dealer. The state's Vehicle Repair Assistance, Retrofit, and Accelerated Vehicle Retirement Program (VRARAVRP) is a hit! The Star-Telegram reports that The North Central Texas Council of Governments, which administers the program locally, is adding extra phone lines and personnel to deal with the flood of interest since the state kicked-in additional money (up to $3500 towards a new car). Texas taxes hard at work.