As many of you know, thanks to social media, ours and surrounding neighborhoods are experiencing an increase in nighttime car break-ins. Fortunately, rather than breaking windows, the perpetrators are most often checking for unlocked car doors and rummaging through belongings to find something of value to steal — phone chargers or devices, keys, medications, loose change, etc. Your first line of defense is to ensure your doors are locked and that you leave nothing of value in your vehicle overnight. Additionally, leaving exterior lights on throughout the night could deter criminal activity in your driveway.
If you do find that your car has been entered and rummaged through, even if nothing is stolen, it is very important to file a report with Fairfax County Police Department. This can be done quickly and easily online using the FCPD Citizen Reporting System. As the FCPD receives more and more reports on this activity, they are more likely to increase patrols through our neighborhood, thus further deterring criminal acts.
Click here to file a report with the FCPD
Please note, if you have an emergency or a crime is in progress, dial 911.
The Citizen Reporting System can be used to file a report for the following types of crimes:
- Bicycle Theft
- Civil Dispute
- Destruction of Private Property/Vandalism
- Larceny/Theft from Motor Vehicle or Parts
- Larceny/Theft Under $5,000
- Lost Property
- Suspicious Person/Vehicle/Vehicle
- Solicitor Violations
- Telephone Harassment/Threats
- Trespassing
- Unoccupied Hit and Run Accidents