Theft from cars is no longer Richmond’s top crime. Here’s what replaced it

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Theft from motor vehicles is no longer the top crime in Richmond, authorities said.

According to the first quarter crime briefing on Thursday, city officials said theft from motor vehicles is now the second-biggest category of crime in Richmond, with 436 incidents in the first three months of the year. Catalytic converter thefts also made up all car part thefts this past quarter.

"Historically, [theft from motor vehicles] has been the crime driver in the city," officials said.

RPD applauds ‘Spring Forward’ initiative while showcasing rise in shoplifting during crime briefing

This time last year, the Richmond Police Department saw 43 cases of general car thefts compared to 78 in the first quarter of this year, a 81% year-over-year increase.

With 578 incidents so far this year, shoplifting has overtaken theft as the No. 1 crime in Richmond. More than half of the instances happened at ABC stores, per authorities.