Watch this morning’s press conference here.
The Richmond Police Department announced a multi-agency collaboration to raise public awareness around the rise in vehicle thefts in Central Virginia. Local, state and regional agencies have joined forces to share a united message in the Love My Ride campaign, which encourages Virginians to take simple steps to protect themselves from vehicle theft. The campaign also is a reminder about the insurance implications of vehicle thefts.
In response to the regional rise in vehicle thefts, the Richmond Police Department, Virginia State Police Help Eliminate Auto Theft (H.E.A.T.) program and the Virginia State Corporation Commission’s Bureau of Insurance have partnered with these agencies to spread the message: Chesterfield County Police, Hanover County Police, Henrico County Police, Hopewell Police, New Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Petersburg Police Department, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and the non-profit Drive Smart Virginia.
This campaign will coincide with the July observance of National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month and will include social media messaging, resources, outreach, and vehicle etching events where residents can have their vehicle identification number (VIN) etched on their vehicle glass window. Participating agencies will remind, reinforce, and engage citizens in the message.
“The most effective anti-theft tool is to lock your car and take your keys,” said Richmond Police Chief Gerald M. Smith. “It’s common sense, but not common practice. Doing our part to prevent vehicle theft is an action we can all take for the safety of everyone in our community.”
Motor vehicle theft is a large-scale issue that can cost thousands of dollars in lost property and create a huge burden for individuals and families. Stolen vehicles can be used in other crimes such as robberies, burglaries, and homicides.
“Despite the staggering vehicle theft statistics, there are things you can do, not only to reduce your risk of becoming a victim, but to protect yourself financially if a vehicle theft does occur,” said Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott White. “Understand your insurance coverage, including deductibles and limits. After reporting a vehicle theft to police, contact your insurance agent or company as soon as possible. Keep in mind that filing an insurance claim for a stolen vehicle may mean an increase in what you pay for auto insurance going forward.”
July 1, 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of Virginia’s HEAT program, which provides investigative resources to law enforcement agencies and helps educate vehicle owners on how to prevent catalytic converter and vehicle theft, crimes that cost Virginians millions of dollars each year. For more theft prevention information, please go to www.heatreward.com.
“Here we are 30 years later, still proudly working side-by-side with our local law enforcement partners and the insurance industry to better protect Virginians and their vehicles,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “Virginia’s law enforcement community is fully committed to doing our part to help eliminate auto theft. We need Virginians to do their part, too, by heeding a few simple steps and by calling in those tips to the toll-free 1-800-947-HEAT hotline. If your tip leads to an arrest in a vehicle theft investigation, you may be eligible for a reward of up to $25,000.”
Following these simple steps could spare you the hassle and expense of having your vehicle stolen:
- Lock your car and take the keys, every time. Make the decision to double check that you have your keys as you walk away from the vehicle.
- Do not leave your car running and unattended. While you may think it’s convenient, it only takes a thief a few seconds to steal your car.
- Remove valuables from inside your car. Leaving cell phones, firearms, wallets, laptops, or other valuables in the car attracts thieves.
- Park in a well-lit area or in a garage.
