Houston Is Armored-Car Heist Capital of America, Says New Top-10 Podcast

Houston Is Armored-Car Heist Capital of America, Says New Top-10 Podcast

YOU PROBABLY KNOW that Houston is the world's biggest hub for the energy industry and home to the largest medical center on earth. But did you know we're the — wait for it — the armored truck robbery capital of the United States?


This is how Jake Brennan, host of the hot Disgraceland podcast, describes H-Town in the new podcast Armored. Currently one of the top 10 podcasts in the nation, the show explores the high-stakes robberies of armed trucks — an alarming amount which happen in Houston. "According to the FBI's crime data from 2018," explains Brennan in the shows debut episode, "roughly half of all armored vehicle robberies in the entire nation took place in the Houston region."

Former FBI Director James Comey is quoted in the show explaining that the phenomenon is due to "an expansive network of freeways which provide a sprawling labyrinth of escape routes, allowing thieves to be miles away from a crime scene within minutes." (Anyone who has driven on Houston's freeways might question that thesis.)

The first episode in the 10-part series focuses on Redrick "Red" Batiste who presented himself as an ambitious clean-cut house flipper but ran a shadowy and violent network of criminals who were active from 2015-2016. The group was infamous for turning rental cars into mobile sniper platforms, similar to what the D.C. snipers used in 2002, and ambushing armored vehicles. The case unfolds like the plot of a Hollywood thriller — with wiretapping, codenames, burner phones, car kill-switches and elaborate surveillance schemes — all which play out on the streets of Houston. Armored goes inside the FBI strategy to bring down a ruthless crime ring.

Armored is a part of the Audiochuck network, which also produces the nation's top crime podcast Crime Junkie.

Art + Entertainment
Fall Philanthropy Report: Be An Angel Improves Quality of Life for Children with Special Needs

What year was your organization launched? 1986 by a small group of committee community members that believed special needs children were not receiving basic life services.

Keep Reading Show less

Palmaïa The House of AïA

THIS SUMMER, LEBRINA Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, is taking her wisdom and joie de wellness to the jungle. Far beyond the walls of her beautiful spa, she’s aiming to create a quiet space for people to work on their personal growth in a community-centric atmosphere. She shares what participants will get out of the trip and why it’s important to take time for self-care in 2025.

Why is it important for people to “retreat”? Life can feel like a non-stop marathon, and sometimes we forget to just... breathe. Retreating offers a chance to step off the treadmill for a bit and hit the reset button. It's about giving your body and mind some much-needed TLC, allowing for genuine relaxation and rejuvenation. Beyond the personal perks, retreats often create a cool sense of community, connecting you with others on a similar path. By carving out space for self-reflection, you can recharge and return to your daily life with a clearer head and a bit more pep in your step.

Keep Reading Show less
Wellness+Giving Back

Brian Crawmer, Sarah Crawmer, Marilyn, and David Guion

VITA LIVING WELCOMED over 300 guests to its annual Pearls of Wisdom Fiesta at the River Oaks Country Club. This year’s dinner — themed Una Notte Italianaraised more than $207,000 in support of lifelong care for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties