Car break-ins nearly double in Richmond’s Third Precinct

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Car break-ins are on the rise in Richmond, with some neighborhoods seeing nearly twice as many incidents compared to this time last year, according to police.

The Richmond Police Department said it has seen a spike in thefts from vehicles over the past two weeks, particularly in the city’s Third Precinct — which includes areas like Willow Lawn, Carytown and the Museum District.

“Sadly, it kind of just comes with living in the city,” said neighbor Daiza Jones. “You just have to be mindful of certain stuff.”

Police said 84 car break-ins have been reported in Sector 311 so far this year, up from 43 at this time in 2024.

“I am noticing a lot of people saying that they’re paying for parking and garages and street parking and the cars are getting broken into,” Jones said. “So that’s kind of a red flag for me personally at the moment.”

One of those recent victims, Taylor Anctil, said he noticed items missing from his car one morning as he was headed to work.

“My change was missing and a tool, like I said, it was in the back seat was missing,” he said. “The glove compartment had been opened and rifled through.”

Police say many of the vehicles were left unlocked — including Anctil’s.

In several of those cases, it wasn’t just spare change or valuables being stolen. Police also reported that firearms had been taken from unlocked cars, raising major safety concerns.

“I think maybe if folks were a little more cautious with how they store their firearms, that wouldn’t be an issue,” said one neighbor.

“It also could contribute to increased gun violence on the street because now these guns are circulating and there’s no reported owner,” Anctil added.

While investigators haven’t identified a specific cause for the increase, police say warmer weather often brings higher crime. That’s why they’ve launched “Operation Safe Summer,” a seasonal campaign aimed at curbing criminal activity through prevention efforts.

In the meantime, residents like Anctil say they’re doing what they can to stay vigilant.

“I’m a big proponent of neighborhood watch,” he said. “If you see something suspicious, report something suspicious... keep your head on a swivel.”

RPD is reminding people to remove valuables from their cars and keep them locked. The department is also offering free gun safes to encourage Richmonders to safely store their firearms. If you'd like to receive a gun safe, call 804-516-0451.