HENRICO, VA—There continues to be a rash of larcenies from vehicles in Henrico County's West End, with dozens of thefts from cars reported over the past several weeks.
Forty reports of larcenies from vehicles have been reported in Western Henrico County, since February 12.
More than 75% of the thefts occurred from vehicles that were left unlocked, police said. In the few incidents where the vehicle was locked, police said car windows were broken and the items taken had been left in plain view.
Henrico Police are starting a "Stop and Lock" campaign, encouraging residents to keep vehicle doors locked at all times.
"We need to remember that thieves are always looking for an opportunity. Whether it's a car door, a garage door, a thief is going to take that opportunity to go ahead and take something," Linda Toney of Henrico Police said.
Victims reported various items, including pocketbooks, wallets and credit cards stolen from their vehicle. These crimes took place mostly between 2:00 and 7:00 a.m., police said.
Police said stolen credit cards from one of the larcenies were used by two suspects at a Martin's Food Market on Forest Hill Avenue on Wednesday, March 20 around 7:00 a.m.
One of the suspects was also seen in attempting to use stolen credit cards at the Wal-Mart on Forest Hill Avenue in Richmond on February 18.
The Henrico County Police Department is reminding drivers to lock their car at all times and not to leave items in plain view. Police say locking car doors is the number one deterrent to fight larceny from autos.
Henrico County Police is seeking the public's assistance in identifying and locating the suspect responsible for these crimes. Anyone with information regarding these offenses is asked to contact Henrico Police at (804) 501-5000 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word "ITip" followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.
Copyright 2013 by Young Broadcasting of Richmond
