Contributed report

Over the past 18 months, the County of Powhatan has been plagued with larcenies from vehicles as they were parked at the homes of citizens.

Earlier this year, with a huge amount of citizen support and information, two groups of juveniles were apprehended by this office, clearing approximately 30 cases.

As recent as last week, citizens in another subdivision in the south eastern part of the county were again victimized by someone entering their vehicles in the nighttime, stealing whatever items of value he could find. Due to several responsible and conscientious citizens, this office was able to make an arrest in a timely manner.

In every interview of suspects, these juveniles refer to this activity as “car hopping” and treat it like it is a game. 

These cases are always investigated and though it sometimes takes what appears to be a lengthy time for apprehension, all are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  Many of these cases had items stolen with a large dollar value, hence, these juveniles will be prosecuted for felonies.

All law enforcement agencies warn persons to remove anything of value from their vehicles when parking them, particularly in shopping center lots and in their own driveways.