Crime spike worries residents
By Layla Wilder
A recent spike in burglaries and vehicle tamperings within the Fair Oaks area prompted more than 100 residents to attend a police outreach meeting April 18."We have seen an increase in burglaries and a dramatic increase in vehicle larcenies," said Lt. Chip Crawford, one of several police officers from the Fair Oaks District Station hosting the meeting.
According to police, there were more than 330 vehicle tamperings between Jan. 1 and April 13, many occurring in parking lots at apartment and condominium buildings.
"We are trying hard to combat the problem," said Crawford, noting that police needed help from the public apprehending criminals and preventing such crimes.
A large number of vehicle tamperings, Crawford said, involved thieves stealing GPS (global positioning system) units from cars.
Many of the stolen units, worth on average between $350 and $400, end up for sale on Internet sites like eBay and Craigslist.
Crawford suggested recording serial numbers of GPS units and other valuables like CD and DVD players, iPods, cellphones, cameras and laptops.
"Let's take valuables out of our cars," he said, noting that thieves also break into vehicles for less valuable items such as loose change and cigarette lighters. Thieves gain access to 60 percent of vehicles through an unlocked door.
"If we can start by locking our cars, I think we're ahead of the game," Crawford said.
Pfc. Wayne Twombly suggested that vehicles also be be kept as neat and clean as possible so there is a better chance to obtain finger prints in case of a break in. He also recommended not hiding valuables under seats and removing the suction cup that holds the GPS unit to the inside windshield.
"Fairfax County is very nice, but it's not Disney World," Twombly said.
Master Police Officer Sophia Grinnan handed out copies of a Power Point presentation containing information on how citizens can better secure their homes and vehicles, and what to do when suspicious persons are seen in neighborhoods.
"Please call the police first," Grinnan said, noting that in case of an emergency, to call 911. "If it's a non-emergency, call the non-emergency number."
"Please consider us as a first choice," she said.
Grinnan asked that when calling the police to report suspicious persons or vehicles to describe, or articulate, as much detail as possible, for instance the color of a car, license plate number and direction of travel.
"We want to catch the bad guy," she said.