Richmond Police to ditch cars for horses to take on property cri - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

Richmond police say property crimes are on the rise. They are getting "creative" to try and tackle a problem that is only set to increase in the spring and summer months.

We were there as officers lined up for roll call and got their marching orders from the police chief himself in Richmond's Bellevue community.

The idea is to tackle the recent crime reports that constantly features a long list of property thefts. Police Chief Ray Tarasovic says he wants more police visibility.

"Whether that visibility be all of these guys out here for roll call or the chief of police showing up to say hello," said Chief Tarasovic. "It helps. It all helps."

The busy West Broad Street is the latest target of crooks. A kayak was taken right off the top of a vehicle.

"What we can do is continue to inform...continue to educate," said Tarasovic. "We try to catch the bad guys, but it's difficult."

Police insist they have a plan to fight back. They are planning to staff two man car units, and they want to bring in the mounted units in some of the more high crime areas to focus solely property theft.

"It started a little bit early for me in sector 4-12," said Lt. Chris Gleasen. "I have had an increase in property crime."

It is all expected to get worse in the spring and summer months.

"However creative we can get is what we try to do," said Lt. Gleasen.

There are two things to remember.

"Unfortunately you have to take the kayak off the top of your car and take it with you," said Lt. Gleasen.

And share the road. The mounted horse unit could be coming to a community near you.

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