CHESTERFIELD, Va. - Chesterfield police are investigating two car break-ins at the Cross Creek Apartments and Townhomes.
Police officers flooded the 7500 block of Van Hoy Drive around 2 a.m. Thursday after getting a call that two men were going around looking into parked cars, trying to pull on the doors handles.
Police said two cars were broken into and that the suspects stole change and small electronics.
"I’m surprised because this is usually a pretty safe neighborhood. We don't really have any problems here," said Paula Mortimer, who lives at the complex.
But Officer Matt Rogers with the Chesterfield Crime Prevention Unit said car break-ins are common crimes all around the county.
"The individuals walk through and try to find the unlocked cars. They're typically not going to want to kick out windows or attract attention or leave evidence behind," said Rogers.
Mortimer said she takes every precaution necessary to make sure it doesn’t happen to her, starting with locking her car.
"There’s nothing valuable in the car. I don't lock Christmas presents in the car. When I go to mall, I don't run back and forth to the car to drop packages off," she said.
In the past year, the department has made a huge effort to spread a simple message: no matter where you are--always lock your car.
"Whether it's in your driveway, or in front of the ATM or the parking lots -- I know there's a lot going on this time of year -- but criminals will take advantage of anything," said Officer Rogers.
Officers put up signs in neighborhoods and handed out flyers in hopes that everyone will keep their car and belongings safe.
Back at Cross Creek, police never found the two suspicious men.
"If you see somebody you don't recognize, it's better safe than sorry to call," said Mortimer.
Detectives are investigating the incident and asking anyone who spots suspicious people trying car doors, to call police.
