Gov. Greg Abbott is creating a statewide task force to stop illegal street occupants in Texas.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday that he is creating a task force to stop dangerous street occupants across Texas.

In a press release, Gov. Abbott directed the Texas DPS to investigate recent street occupancies, which he said may have become increasingly dangerous.

“We need to make it clear that these reckless, coordinated criminal activities are unacceptable in Texas,” Abbott said. “This state task force will work closely with local authorities and law enforcement to investigate, prosecute and prevent these dangerous street takeovers. By working together, we can keep Texans safe in communities large and small.”

The newly created task force will be led by members of the DPS Criminal Investigation Division, Texas Highway Patrol, Air Operations Division and Counterterrorism Division, the press release said.

The task force will also focus on state-level investigations to carry out arrests and confiscate property such as vehicles and weapons, leading to jail time for caught criminals.

Governor Abbott and the Texas DPS are urging Texans to report suspicious street occupancy activity by filing a confidential report through iWatchTexas, calling 844-643-2251 or 911.

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