The string of at least 23 thefts in the county stretches back at least four weeks.
Gloucester County, Va. – Gloucester County deputies have arrested a man in a string of at least 23 thefts in the county stretching back at least four weeks.
Christopher Austin Smith
The thefts from unlocked vehicles and sheds occurred throughout the county, including Ware Neck, White Marsh, and Hayes.
Thefts from the vehicles included wallets and purses, cash and credit cards, personal identification cards and some prescription medication. Other items included GPS Devices, Cameras, three firearms, fishing gear and a variety of hand and power tools.
Christopher Austin Smith of Hampton Virginia was arrested on July 23rd and charged with eight counts of Grand Larceny, five counts Petit Larceny and two charges of Obtaining Money by False Pretenses.
Smith is currently being held without bond at the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators have recovered a large variety of stolen property with a value of about $5,000. The criminal investigation into this matter is ongoing and the sheriff’s office is asking anyone who may live in the areas listed and recently experienced a loss from their vehicles or sheds which was not initially reported to contact Investigator Josh Walker at (693-6089) or Investigator Brandon Leigh at (693-4139).
The sheriff’s office would also like to remind residents to be sure to secure their property and belongings at all times. Most of the residents victimized had left their vehicles and sheds unlocked, making them an easy target for the thefts
