RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A rash of recent car break-ins in a neighborhood in Richmond’s Southside has residents on edge.
The Richmond Police Department told 8News the number of car break-ins in the Manchester neighborhood last week has jumped significantly, compared to the same time last year.
At least 20 were reported last week, which is more than a third of all the break-ins that have taken place in the neighborhood so far in 2024. Michael Delacruz, who lives in Manchester, told 8News his truck was broken into on Friday, Feb. 9.
“We took inventory of everything that was [in the truck]. And they didn’t take a single thing of value,” said Delacruz.
Delacruz said it cost him $400 to fix the window that was smashed during the break in. He said the situation made him feel violated after just having moved to the area.
“I really like Richmond, you know, I always tell people great things about it,” he said. “And then, you know, this happens to me. And it’s just like, it really takes the wind out of your sails.”
Delacruz isn’t the only Manchester resident feeling this pain. Another resident, who wished to go by “Irina,” said she would like to see more security and lighting in Manchester apartment complexes after her car was broken into on Wednesday, Feb. 7.
“Since this happened last week, I have passed through there, I’ve come home [and] pretty much every time, it’s been dark,” she said. “I’ve seen nothing, no lights, there’s no sign of security.”
Recent crime data showed car break-ins are down 10% from last year in the Manchester area. But with 20 cases in just one week, police are once again warning residents to remove valuable items — such as purses, laptops and guns — from their cars as a precaution.
“I actually just ordered a camera from Amazon and will be installing it by my window to get a very good vantage point over here,” Delacruz said. “Other than that, I really don’t know what else I can do. You know, it really feels like my hands are tied and you’re kind of at the mercy of the thieves really.”
Police also said they have been given video that appears to show groups of juveniles breaking the windows and stealing items during this recent spree. Detectives are asking anyone with photos, videos or information about these incidents to contact First Precinct Det. T. Wilson at 804-646-0672.
