Car stolen from parking lot near Virginia Commonwealth University’s Monroe Park campus

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Police Department is asking the public for assistance after a car was reportedly stolen from a parking lot near the university's Monroe Park campus.

At 7:24 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, VCU Police received a report of a motor vehicle theft from the HH Lot at 930 West Grace St.

According to police, the victim parked their gray 2007 Toyota Camry in the parking lot with the vehicle running. When they returned, the car was reportedly gone. The Virginia license tag is THC-4018.

Police continue to investigate. Anyone with information is asked to call 804-828-1196.

Officials reminded the university community to take the following steps in regard to your vehicle:

• Never leave your car unattended, unlocked, running and/or with the keys inside. It only takes a minute for someone to steal a vehicle that’s already running and unlocked. 
• Always lock your car doors and windows. Thieves will try to open doors or reach in through open windows.
• Keep laptops, cell phones, purses, book bags and anything else of value in the trunk of your vehicle or take them with you. Thieves will look into the windows of vehicles prior to breaking in.
• Consider using an antitheft device.
• Park in well-lit, busy areas.
• Do not store spare keys in your car or in your car’s gas compartment. Thieves know where to look for them.
• If you see people trying to open the doors of multiple vehicles, contact VCU Police to report suspicious behavior.