![This image is believed by police to show a 2008 Ford Edge that was stolen from the 1200 block of Warner Hall Drive overnight on Thursday, Sept. 29. [Virginia Beach Police Department/Courtesy]](https://princessanneindy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/red-mill-3.jpg)
COURTHOUSE – Police on Thursday took reports for five stolen cars and 23 larcenies from automobiles — all from the Red Mill and Strawbridge areas of the city.
The rash of crimes comes after a great deal of focus upon crimes involving automobiles this year, including in the First Precinct. The department initiated a public awareness campaign, “Beep It To Keep It,” after reports showed that unlocked vehicles were most often targeted by thieves.
In an email, Master Police Officer Tonya Pierce, a department spokesperson, urged people to lock their cars and remove valuables from them, including car keys.
Suspects were seen at about 1:50 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 29, in the 2200 block of Spring Run Court checking for unlocked car doors, according to police. There were five suspects in all, and they may have been using a stolen vehicle shown in the photo accompanying this story.
Police ask members of the public to call them if any of the following vehicles are seen:
► A 2013 silver Hyundai Sonata [VA XCZ4544], missing from the 900 block Raton Court
► A 2008 light blue Ford Edge with a cracked windshield, [VA YST8193], missing from the 1200 block of Warner Hall Drive
► A 2003 gray Toyota Sequoia [VA JHJ2236] missing from the 2200 block of Spring Run Court
► A 2007 silver Lincoln MKX [NC EDT6841] missing from the 1800 block of Scarlotti Court
One automobile taken from the 2000 block of Bierce Drive was recovered, police said.
Citizens with information are asked to call call (888) LOCK-U-UP or by text “VBTIP” and the information to CRIMES (274637).
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