Seasonal Musings from Henrico Police

Author:  Scott Phillips, Community Officer

First, on behalf of the Henrico Police Division, Happy Holidays to everyone with hopes they will be merry and safe.  But let’s take it a step further and consider how we might ensure the “safe” aspect of the season.

Currently, we’re seeing a significant uptick in gun-related crime throughout the Metro Richmond area.  Theories abound as to why this is so but I like to take a more pragmatic perspective.  Namely, what can be done about it? One of the key things to know is that many legally-owned guns end up in the hands of wrongdoers because they are stolen from unlocked cars.  My recommendation is pretty basic – ALWAYS lock your cars and NEVER leave firearms in your cars.  The late-night car break-in specialists have discovered stolen firearms are one of the easiest things to sell for very quick cash.  So please, do everything in your power to make their efforts less rewarding.  Locked cars deter the vast majority of break-in activity.  It’s truly that simple.  So lock those cars every single time you walk away from them.

Every year the police department receives many, many calls about the super illuminated “Tacky Light Tour” homes.  We understand how having one of these homes in your neighborhood or along your frequently traveled roads can be annoying.  And while we don’t have laws that prevent citizens from these displays, we do try to manage the issue as much as possible.  At the beginning of the holiday season, we meet with the owners of the major limousine companies and review the conduct expectations we hold for their drivers and customers.  We also inform the companies of the best routes for their drivers to minimize traffic snarls at these tight, suburban locations.  Henrico Fire Department carefully monitors the location of these homes and has plans for providing their services amidst the higher traffic volume. Please remember, many citizens take great joy in seeing these homes….for some it is a core Christmas family activity.  So your patience and understanding are appreciated.

2020 has sure been a strange year.  We’ve seen our country face some incredible hurdles between COVID, a contentious election, racial discord, and the list goes on.  But sitting here on Parham Rd. in the midst of a nor’easter where a crash has knocked down the lights at Skipwith Rd., I can’t help but marvel that none of these blows have knocked us down as a people.  Just as traffic is adapting to the new routes we’ve instituted until we get the traffic lights off the ground, citizens nationwide have adapted to many of the new normals.  It’s this resilience that makes us strong.  And it is endlessly encouraging to witness.  Let’s look forward to 2021 being a bit less….trying.  Continue to watch out for each other and know that your county government is here to support everyone faithfully.

SCP