LYNCHBURG (WSLS 10) - Police in Lynchburg have charged four people in connection to several larcenies.
Officers were patrolling the area of Paulette Circle and Northwynd Circle on Tuesday, in reference to several reported larcenies from vehicles. Police say there were 15 victims with a total of 20 vehicles being rummaged through.
At about 4:47 a.m.Tuesday, Lynchburg Police came into contact with three adults and a juvenile. After the officer's investigation they were arrested and charged with the following:
- Christopher D. Washington, 19, of Lynchburg is charged with tampering with a vehicle and petit larceny
- Shyheim Horsley, 19, of Lynchburg is charged with tampering with a vehicle
- Jerrell W. Carter Jr., 18, of Lynchburg is charged with tampering with a vehicle, petit larceny and possession of marijuana
- A male juvenile is charged with tampering with a vehicle and petit larceny
"Officers got reports in that area of people breaking into vehicles they went out to canvas the area and walk down the streets and if any car look like it had been tampered with they contacted the registered owner and let them know and more victims were found by the officers taking that initiative making sure they're cars weren't tampered with," said Sgt. Gary Fink.
Since the beginning of the year, there were 43 reported car larcenies in Lynchburg, but that number increased to 63 with the recent incidents. Lynchburg police say it is one of the top crimes in the city.
"Always lock your doors obviously. Don't leave valuables inside, purses, electronics or anything that can be seen. And that you try to park in the well lit area with a streetlight.Those alone are the biggest to deter someone driving by wanting to get into your car. If they don't see any valuables most likely they'll keep on walking and if the doors are locked they'll keep on walking," said Fink.
Sargent Fink says there's no particular reason for the trend that comes and goes in waves but there are some ways residents can help lower the numbers.
Anyone with additional information concerning this case is asked to contact Lynchburg Police at (434) 455-6060 extension 593.