AMARILLO, TX -- Anywhere from 80 to 100,000 cars are stolen every year in the State of Texas alone, but one organization has been coming together to combat that crime.

The Texas Association of Vehicle Theft Investigators is meeting all week here in Amarillo to continue on-going training and education.

One official says ongoing training is important to keep up with today's criminals.

"To be good at something you have to be trained in something, and to continue to be good at something you need on-going training. Criminals always learn something new, and we have to learn what they're doing and stay up with training -- to keep up with them," said Joey Canady, President of Texas Association of Vehicle Theft Investigators.

Canady says the most important tip he can give for anyone to not become a victim of auto theft is to simply lock you car, take your keys and hide your valuables.