UPDATE: Tow Truck Determined to Have Engaged in Lawful Tow
Following new information received by detectives – the tow truck featured in today’s release about a possible vehicle theft has been identified and it has been determined the vehicle was lawfully towed.
While RPD officers were following the proper procedure for taking a report of a stolen vehicle, information provided by the tow company, which alerts public safety agencies to a legal tow, was not immediately forwarded to RPD. Therefore, RPD officers and detectives were not made aware the vehicle had been lawfully towed while investigating the missing vehicle.
While investigating the stolen vehicle report, detectives released a surveillance video to alert the public to the potential safety issue.
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The Richmond Police Department is alerting the public to an unlicensed tow truck that is being used to quickly steal vehicles throughout the city. A surveillance camera video clip of the tow truck as it is stealing a vehicle in the Davee Gardens neighborhood can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/9aoah3zy6s4xhd8/tow%20truck%20pirate.mp4?dl=0
Late morning on Sunday, October 24, the tow truck, black in color, backed towards a parked vehicle, lifted it with the tow gear and, within seconds, towed the vehicle away. A photo of the tow truck is also attached.
There are no logos or lettering on the truck, which is required by state code for tow trucks for hire.
Detectives ask the public to call 911 if they see this tow vehicle or any tow truck without company name, lettering or logo.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.
