On April 16, 2017, at approximately 12:59 AM Deputy D.G. French responded to a domestic incident on Barclay Lane. Upon arrival, Deputy French met the complainant who advised that earlier in the day a family member had been discovered stealing money. Additional information had come to light about other stolen property and law enforcement was needed at the residence.

The male subject accused of the theft admitted to his family, and later to law enforcement; he has spent approximately five weeks “car-hopping” to obtain items of value from vehicles. He stated he wore black clothing, gloves, and a mask while committing larcenies in various Widewater neighborhoods. Car-hopping refers to the technique used by thieves who roam at night opening unlocked vehicles searching for anything of value to steal. During a search of the property, multiple knives, pistols, two shotguns, ammunition and burglary tools were recovered.

Bradley Wayne Wells, age 24 of Barclay Lane in Stafford, VA., was charged with five counts of Grand Larceny, four counts of Possession of Burglary Tools, four counts of Tampering with Vehicles, Larceny with Intent to Sell/Distribute, and Possession of Marijuana. He was incarcerated at the Rappahannock Regional Jail and is held on no bond.

Multiple, unconnected incidents of larcenies from vehicles have occurred in the last several months. The public is reminded that thieves will seize the opportunity to enter unlocked vehicles. Always lock your doors and do not leave weapons and other valuables inside a vehicle.