FCPD’s shoplifting efforts in June paid off

The Fairfax County Police Department’s effort to focus on combatting retail theft during the month of June has had positive results.

There were 573 shoplifting offenses in June, down from 642 in May, the FCPD reports.

Earlier this summer, the police department launched the 2023 Summer Crime Prevention Initiative to focus on a specific area each month during June through August. The target area for July is increased enforcement for driving under the influence.

Related story: Organized retail crime is soaring

In June, officers were strategically deployed across the county to combat criminals who steal from local businesses. The FCD’s three-pronged approach included:

• increased patrols in areas with a high level of calls for service for shoplifting,

• increased community engagement in those areas, and

• working with affected businesses on long-term solutions to prevent shoplifting. The police hosted a forum on retail theft with the owners of businesses at Fair Oaks Mall.

The Summer Crime Prevention team coordinated with the Tysons Urban Team to arrest two shoplifting suspects who were caught in the act of stealing from a local retailer. The suspects’ minivan was full of stolen high-end merchandise estimated at over $10,000.

Related story: Police step up DUI enforcement

“FCPD’s success in decreasing retail thefts and shoplifting offenses has been in large part due to the hard work and dedication of our officers enforcing the initiative,” reports Katherine Hayek, director of the Public Affairs Bureau. “The summer months, particularly June, are notoriously the highest for shoplifting crime in Fairfax County.”

Also in July, the FCPD started its third wave of the Road Shark campaign to crack down on aggressive drivers.