RICHMOND, Va. -- Richmond Police officers said they’re frustrated because too many people are leaving their car doors unlocked with valuables in plain sight.
“It’s a major problem,” Lt. Erlan Marshall said.
Marshall and Officer John Raina said it’s taking officer’s time away from other important crime fighting activities.
“Now I’m going to have to come by and spend a half an hour with you doing a report with you while I’m not doing something else because you decide to leave something in the car,” Officer Raina said.
Marshall said crooks broke into 254 cars in the fan last year. He said the crimes could have been prevented.
“Lock your cars, take the items of value with you,” Marshall said.
Officer Raina placed green “violation notices” on people’s cars, warning theme to take personal responsibility for what is in their car.
Officer Raina responds to break-in calls and walks the streets trying to prevent them. On Tuesday, he placed green “violation notices” on people’s cars.
The notices are not actual tickets.
Instead, they warn people to take personal responsibility for what is in their car.
CBS 6 walked with him and found cell phones, purses and even cash in full view inside cars.
“Purse in the front seat, Starbucks card… this guy’s car is prime to be broken into,” Raina said.
