Stafford Sheriff Sees Uptick in Theft From Cars Since Coronavirus

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office has seen an uptick in reports of thefts from vehicles since the start of the coronavirus crisis, the sheriff's office said Tuesday.

"During this extended period of time when many people are not leaving their homes, it is important that your vehicles are secure and that you have no valuables stored in the vehicle," the sheriff's office said.

In most cases, thieves will simply go car to car in parking lots or neighborhoods, checking door handles for unlocked vehicles, often hitting multiple neighborhoods in one night. "When possible, park in a well-lit, well-observed and well-traveled parking area, use your garage, or consider installing a motion sensor light where you park," the sheriff's office said.

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Vehicle owners also should consider installing a car alarm or security device and placing anti-theft stickers on their vehicles. Also, car owners should never store a spare key in or on their cars, the sheriff's office said.

Any suspicious activity should be reported to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office at 540-658-4400.