FCPD targets vehicle theft in August
The Fairfax County Police Department’s Summer Crime Prevention Initiative is continuing in August with a focus on vehicle-related thefts.
The initiative targeted shoplifting in June and driving while intoxicated in July.
“The Summer Crime Prevention team will intensify its efforts to prevent theft from vehicles and vehicle parts by implementing strategic and focused enforcement measures,” the FCPD states. “Officers will be stepping up their patrol efforts and focusing on areas of Fairfax County that have been historically targeted by criminals.”
Related story: FCPD’s shoplifting efforts in June paid off
Thefts of vehicles and items inside vehicles – such as airbags, laptops, and cell phones – are considered crimes of opportunity as people who leave their cars unlocked or keep valuables in plain sight are an invitation to criminals.
So far in 2023, more than 580 cars and motorcycles have been stolen, up from 440 during the same period in 2022.
More than 1,000 cars have been unlawfully entered this year either by thieves breaking in or because people left their vehicles unlocked.
During the month of July, according to CityProtect, there were 10 auto thefts, 17 incidents of theft from a vehicle, seven vehicle tampering incidents, and six thefts of vehicle parts in the Annandale/Mason District area.
Related story: Police step up DUI enforcement
The FCPD urges people to take these precautions to prevent becoming a victim:
- Lock your car and don’t leave your keys in the car.
- Park in public places with lots of streetlights.
- Keep the windows rolled up when you park.
- Install car alarm systems and/or GPS systems.
- Do not leave any personal or valuable belongings inside your car.
- Do not leave your car turned on and unattended.
- Do not leave a spare key where it can be found.
- Install security cameras and floodlights on your property.
- Practice proper automotive maintenance.
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Report suspicious activity to the police non-emergency number, 703-691-2131.
- Join the FCPD on Neighbors by Ring to share surveillance footage with the police.
9 responses to “FCPD targets vehicle theft in August”
Leave a reply
It’s cute that some laws are more illegal some months, and less illegal others.
Still, crime is way up.
There is a vehicle noise law in place; I truly wish it would be enforced.
Any time of the day and night vehicles are speeding (even though the new 35 mph on route 7).
Just as bad is the noise these vehicles are making. Try enjoying poolside or barbecuing and a good six vehicles every night, at different times; are barreling down seven; try sleeping during this also. We hear it living on Juniper, then drive to seven and Patrick Henry; it is horrible. Even saw a police cruiser in the church parking lot, there flies by a vehicle (and I mean flies) and the noise was incredible. Like I said, this goes on every single day, evening and night.
And what about seeing drivers with their phones up to their ears, driving this same route, zig – zagging down the rode. I usually tap my horn, I’m seeing them going into other lanes and not keeping up with the traffic in this case.
Oh well, WE do need more officers for sure.
Keep voting for the terrible liberal progressives and this is what you get. Reps are hateful and Dems are stupid. What does that leave us with: anarchy, chaos, a decline in County services and a steady increase in crime.
So disheartening, I used to love this County.
You sir may suffer for hysteria.
Move out ….and improve Fairfax County
Any news regarding route 7, Leesburg Pike and Patrick Henry; this morning , Sunday, around 4 a.m.? All kinds of lights and cruisers.
Thank YOU,
CJ
Fairfax County was at one time a model county even with schools; No longer, so sad. The only excuse that I can come up with is the liberalness of the county as well as the surrounding county. When more money is spent on “woke, changing school names as well as roads” instead of preventing crime…..well, what do you expect?
DeSantis or Abbot–Take your pick; either would welcome you as new resident
Is this a joke? Fairfax is better than ever!
Turn off the FoxScareNews. You can’t handle it.