Richmond police warn of unusual increase in Honda thefts, and offer free steering wheel locks

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond Police Department is warning drivers after what they call an “unusual increase” in Honda thefts, with at least 14 reported since July 1.

“When we notice a specific model, 14, in a relatively short period of time, that garners our attention,” said Richmond Police Lieutenant Brad Nixon.

Police said they have not identified a clear pattern in model year or location.

“There’s no specific area of the city that we’ve noticed," Nixon said. "They’ve been kind of sporadic."

A woman who spoke to 8News off camera said the spike doesn’t surprise her after her Honda CR‑V was stolen in Carytown.

The surge follows a national wave of Hyundai and Kia thefts in recent years that were tied to a technical issue. Richmond police said they are still investigating what’s behind the Honda cases.

“We have some general ideas of what’s being used based on the vehicles that have been recovered, [and] some of the damage on those vehicles," Nixon said. "We just want to make sure they’re consistent with a trend, if any, that’s occurring."

RPD previously distributed free steering wheel locks to Hyundai and Kia owners. The department is now extending that effort to Honda owners who live in Richmond.

“We noticed that using a steering wheel lock provided a huge deterrent to the individual owners who actually used those. It was effective — and that’s why we’re promoting it again,” Nixon said.

Police also urged drivers to park in well‑lit areas, lock their vehicles, avoid leaving valuables inside and watch for any additional security updates from Honda.

Honda, Hyundai, and Kia owners who live in Richmond can request a free steering wheel lock from their local precinct on a first-come, first-served basis.