Holiday Safety Tips

Have a safe and joyful holiday season! Follow these safety tips.

Home Safety

• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even if you will only be gone for a minute.
• Don't put large displays of holiday gifts in view of your windows or doors.
• When going on trips or out for evenings, use automatic timers to turn indoor lights on and off to make it appear you are home.
• Immediately after the holidays, mark new gifts with your Driver's License or ID number.
• Don't advertise what you got for Christmas by putting the boxes out on trash day. Break the boxes down or take them to the dump yourself.

Shopping Safety

• Lock packages in the trunk.
• Don't overload yourself with packages.
• If you must shop in the evening, shop with a friend.
• Park in well-lighted areas, as close as possible to store entrances. Be particularly aware of persons in the parking lot, especially near your car.
• Lock your car and make sure the windows are closed.
• Carry only the charge cards you will need. Don't carry or flash large sums of cash.
• Carry your purse next to your body with the purse flap against you. Men should carry their wallets in front or inside pockets.
• Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Don't allow your attention to become distracted from your purse or packages.
• Teach children to go to a store clerk or security guard and ask for help if you become separated in a store or shopping mall.
• Don't hesitate to notify store security if you see suspicious activity.
• If you have to wait for a ride, wait in a busy, well-lighted place.
• If you are a victim of a crime, report it to police immediately.

Holiday Hazard Checklist from Readers Digest
http://www.rd.com/christmas-safety-checklist/article15322.html

The Police Notebook for Holiday Safety – including travel tips
http://www.ou.edu/oupd/holtips.htm

Travel tips from the Department of Transportation's "Aviation Consumer Protection Division”
http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/pubs.htm

Here is your monthly Crime Prevention Tip:

Change your house numbers from the shiny brass and chrome to matte black numbers. It is easier for Police and Fire personnel to see your address numbers both in the light of day and darkness of night.


P.S. Turn your porch and backyard lights on!!!


Jules


PFC Julia M. Bauer
Fairfax County Police
Franconia District Station
Crime Prevention Unit
6121 Franconia Rd
Alexandria, VA 22310
703-922-8263

Safety Seminar

Please note the Community Forum meeting tonight has been cancelled as the search for a missing officer continues.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/22/AR2008102201164.html

If you missed the Safety Seminar held in September - be sure to attend the meeting next week. Officer Eggers will touch upon some safety information but for a more in-depth discussion, be sure to attend the Community Forum Oct 22nd.


There were many points discussed at the safety seminar on Sept 23rd. Some of the most important comments are how we all play a role in our safety as 90% of all crime is opportunity. By being aware of your surroundings, locking doors and turning on lights, crimes can be prevented. The NWC sponsored Lights On For Safety on August 5th encouraging and reminding neighbors to leave lights on overnight to help prevent crime in Greenwood. In every police sponsored event NW attends it is repeated again and again: Lights Prevent Crime:

The dark provides concealment;
Concealment provides comfort;
Comfort provides opportunity!

Everyone living in Greenwood knows the streets can be very dark as lighting is only on Seatrend and Dunn and the costs to add lighting is not within the already maxed out Greenwood budget. The only way to improve lighting is if neighbors assume some responsibility. You can do your part by leaving your lights on outside overnight in the front and back of the house. If you are concerned about costs and the environment, you can use compact fluorescent light bulbs. They offer great peace of mind when used in exterior lighting, such as porch lights, because they can be depended on for years without worrying about premature burnouts. A compact fluorescent can last six times longer than an incandescent bulb so It also saves money over its lifetime as it draws only one-fourth the electricity of an incandescent. Motion detectors in the back are another excellent way to prevent crime. A light turning on late at night will draw attention from neighbors which is something no criminal wants.

The police spoke again and again about how they Want to get your calls - if something seems at all suspicious Please call the police at 703-691-2131 (save this number to your cell phone). The more calls - the better. Please note, a call about a "suspicious event" means there is no crime occurring - a "suspicious person" may not get an immediate response. If you are witnessing something that requires an immediate police response, that must be conveyed to the person (who is a volunteer) answering your call. A call about a situation that appears like it might be gang related or a gang activity will get a faster response time.

Also speaking at the meeting were representative from Vornado - the new owners of Springfield Mall - addressing the steps being taken to improve security at the mall. Vornado is committed to becoming a part of the Springfield community, they have taken steps to improve the safety of the mall and contribute to neighborhood events such as Springfield Days. Their website detailing the plans for the new and improved mall are at http://www.springfieldtowncenter.com/. For Springfield Mall (and any other mall) there are simple steps you can take to improve your safety.
- Park in a well lit area - preferably not in the parking garage.
- Shop with a friend - if possible never shop alone.
- Have your keys out Prior to leaving the mall so you are not distracted looking for your keys.
- Do not become overloaded with bags.
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Acknowledge and look people in the eye. Criminals do not want you to make eye contact. Criminals know people who make eye contact are more likely able to describe an attacker.

There are various meetings and events throughout the year where Vornado discuss the plans for improving Springfield Mall - these meetings are open to all to attend.

Personal Safety Seminar - September 23 - Crestwood Elementary School

From volunteering with the officers at SAFE, I have learned that Mrs. Bosworth parked on the 2nd floor of the parking garage. The officers always recommend parking in open spaces as opposed to garages due to lack of lighting creating an environment that gives easier opportunities for criminals. While each situation is different, if at all possible, the officers also recommend never getting into a car - when a victim enters a car and is taken from one place to another, the chances of survival reduce dramatically.
_____________________________________

Following the abduction and tragic death of Barbara “Bobbie” Bosworth, 60, on Saturday, September 13, the Fairfax County Police Department is offering residents the opportunity to learn more about personal safety and crime prevention.

The public is invited to attend a community meeting on Tuesday, September 23 at Crestwood Elementary School, 6010 Hanover Avenue, in Springfield from 7:30 until 9:30p.m. The department is reaching out to the community, offering safety presentations and increasing public awareness of safety precautions that may prevent them from being victimized. “While there is no way to prevent all crime from occurring, we want to work closely with the public to empower them with information; the most effective tool we know of,” said Captain Erin Schaible, Commander of the Franconia District Police Station.

To request a safety presentation from a Crime Prevention Officer, contact the Fairfax County Police Department at 703-246-4564.

Report any suspicious activity or person(s) to the Fairfax County Police Department at 703-691-2131.

For more information about these and other personal safety tips, log onto www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police.

To request this information in an alternate format, call the Public Information Office at 703.246.2253. TTY 703-204-2264. A Spanish Flier is available for the Seminar, if you need the flier, please email me and I will send it to you.

MPO A. E. Eggers-NREMT-P
Fairfax County Police Department
Franconia District Station
Crime Prevention Unit
6121 Franconia Road
Alexandria, Va 22310
(703)922-0889

Springfield Mall Fatal Carjacking

Please see the email below from Officer Eggers regarding the recent abduction from Springfield Mall. (Officers at the March '08 Neighborhood Watch Conference discussed the increased crime at Springfield mall and recommended if at all possible, it is best to avoid Springfiled Mall entirely).

Please note - Officer Eggers is scheduled to attend our Annual Greenwood Meeting on Wednesday, Oct 15th at Key Middle School to discuss personal safety, crime in Fairfax County and most importanly the recent crime and vandalism in Greenwood and fires started at the park behind Dakine Circle.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Eggers, Alice [mailto:Alice.Eggers@fairfaxcounty.gov]
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 7:17 PM
Subject: Reference to Woodbridge Man Charged In Fatal Virginia Carjacking....Personal Safety Tips While Shopping....& S.A.F.E. Program.

Reference to Woodbridge Man Charged in Fatal Virginia Carjacking...Personal Safety Tips While Shopping and the SAFE Program

The following http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/14/AR2008091402196.html?nav=hcmoduletmv and http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/15/AR2008091501798.html?tid=informbox were released by the Washington Post.

The two documents attached are the Personal Safety Tips While Shopping (Posted below) and the second document is the S.A.F.E. program (sexual assault free and empowered)

The Crime Prevention Unit felt we should address the concerns of the community by offering Personal Safety Seminars.

If you would like to have a Personal Safety Seminar in your community, HOA or church group etc. Please email Alice.Eggers@fairfaxcounty.gov or Julia.Bauer@fairfaxcounty.gov and we will schedule one.

If you have questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at the Crime Prevention Unit at (703)922-8263 or again Alice.Eggers@fairfaxcounty.gov or Julia.Bauer@fairfaxcounty.gov

Take care
Allie

MPO A. E. Eggers-NREMT-P
Fairfax County Police Department
Franconia District Station
Crime Prevention Unit
6121 Franconia Road
Alexandria, Va 22310
(703)922-0889

Fires Started at Park Behind Dakine Circle

On Thursday, Aug 21st a neighbor on Dakine smelled burning wood and heard 2 explosions coming from the direction of Springfield Forest Park behind Dakine Circle and called the police.

The fire department put out two fires started with dead wood, lighters and three cans of Tag aerosol which was used as an accelerant. Lt. Rocco Alvaro of the fire department said it is very easy for such activity to go undetected because the area behind Dakine Circle and in the park is very dark at night.

The fire department had to return again on Friday evening to put out another fire, it is believe the fire was a result of remnants of Thursday’s fire that was still smoldering.

On Saturday afternoon neighbors on Dakine Circle noticed the same burning smell behind their home and went beyond the playground to investigate. They came upon another fire smoking and called the fire department. The fire department believes this was a new fire and they discovered a burned out area, including charred trees with more accelerants and burned playing cards.

The fire investigators videotaped the scene and were going back to local stores to review video surveillance tapes. The fire department investigators were very concerned because they said even though the perpetrators may think they have smothered the fire, with the dry conditions; it is reigniting the dead leaves and other combustibles underneath it.

Anyone with any additional information about the fires should contact Lt. Rocco Alvaro directly at 703-246-4801.

Personal Safety Tips

SHOPPING

• Avoid shopping alone. Traveling in groups of two or more significantly reduces your chance of becoming a victim of crime.
  
  
• Be especially alert when leaving stores or shopping malls for your vehicle. This is a time when criminals know you are carrying cash, checkbooks, credit cards or other valuables.
  
  
• Trust your instincts. If you have an intuitive feeling something is wrong, trust your instincts. React immediately and take action. Many individuals suppress these feelings, because they fear their response will offend someone. React to your instincts and don’t worry about someone else’s feelings. If someone approaches you and you feel uncomfortable, move or ask for assistance.
  
  
• Stand tall and display confidence. Walk with purpose, scan the area around you and make casual eye contact with others to display confidence.
  
  
• Carry a cellular phone.
  
  
• Avoid wearing excessive jewelry. In particular, keep necklaces and bracelets inside you clothing
  
  
• Shop before dark and always park in well-lighted areas.
  
  
• Make sure all doors and windows are locked in your vehicle.
  
  
• Do not keep packages in plain view in your vehicle.
  
  
• Don’t carry large sums of cash. If you do carry cash, do not display it in public or count cash in open areas.
  
  
• Have keys in hand before returning to the vehicle. Searching through a purse or briefcase after you’ve reached your car means you are distracted.
  
  
• As you approach the car, check to see if anyone is hiding underneath or inside If you are concerned for any reason, simply walk past your car and call for help
  
  
• Lock your door immediately upon entering the vehicle. Make this your first action-even before you put the key in the ignition. And lock your door every time you get into your car-even if you are going for only a short ride.
  
  
• Check your surroundings before getting out of your car. If something or someone strikes you as out of place or threatening, drive away. If it’s dark, go to a well lighted, heavily traveled area.
  
  
• Report any suspicious activity or person immediately to the Fairfax County Police Department at (703)691-2131.
  
  

For more information about these and other personal safety tips or to request a presentation from the Crime Prevention Unit please contact MPO A. E. Eggers Franconia District Station (703)922-8263 or email at Alice.Eggers@fairfaxcounty.gov

Lights On Campaign

Tuesday, August 5th is National Night Out and Greenwood Residents are encouraged to take part in the Lights On Campaign.

Neighborhood Wacth is hoping all neighbors will leave their lights on overnight on Tuesday, August 5th. Please talk to your neighbors and encourage them to leave their lights on. If everyone participates and sees the difference lights will make, the will be encouraged to leave lights on overnight all the time.

If you are concerned about the environment, you can use compact fluorescent light bulbs. They offer great peace of mind when used in exterior lighting, such as porch lights, because they can be depended on for years without worrying about premature burnouts. A compact fluorescent can last six times longer than an incandescent bulb. It also saves money over its lifetime because it draws only one-fourth the electricity of an incandescent.

This is a simple step everyone can do to help Greenwood become a safer place to live.

Neibhborhood Watch Update

We know there is a lot of concern in Greenwood surrounding the multiple events that took place on Dakine. Officer Eggers will be attending the Greenwood Annual Meeting in October to address concerns and police response to calls. We hope many neighbors will attend and take advantage of this opportunity.

As you can see below, there are multiple incidents in and around Greenwood. Officer Eggers was very helpful regarding ways we can work with the police department to make Greenwood a safer neighborhood.

The best way neighbors can help prevent crime from occurring is to reduce the opportunity for a crime to take place by leaving your lights on overnight and getting to know your neighbors.

Leave Your Lights On Overnight
Criminals do not like well lit neighborhoods - a street that is well lit is the best way to deter criminals. If you are concerned about the environment, you can use compact fluorescent light bulbs. They offer great peace of mind when used in exterior lighting, such as porch lights, because they can be depended on for years without worrying about premature burnouts. A compact fluorescent can last six times longer than an incandescent bulb. It also saves money over its lifetime because it draws only one-fourth the electricity of an incandescent.

Get to Know Your Neighbors.
If you know your neighbors you will be able to know if someone is around who doesn't belong, if a car is lingering that doesn't belong, or if they are traveling and you can park in their driveway, collect newspapers, or shovel the walk. Neighborly things that can be done to help dissuade criminals. When you are aware of your surrounding, you may notice a neighbor is inviting crime into our streets, which may have been the case with the house on Dakine. All three of the recent incidents that have happened on Dakine in the past 2 months seem to have revolved around one house. After the incidents took place, there were reports to NW that the house seemed 'suspicious'. Do not wait until after a crime takes place - if you witness activity that has potential to become problematic, contact the police alerting them to your concerns, they can patrol the streets more frequently.

The residents in the house on Dakine have been evicted. The police are aware and are keeping an eye on the house as abandoned houses can be taken advantage of by criminals. Neighbors have been helping maintain the yard to lessen the appearance that on one is living there. Please keep up those efforts and keep a vigilant eye on the house. Report anything unusual or suspicious to the police.

Officer Eggers wanted to stress the importance of neighbors calling the police and what you should know when calling:

- You do not have to leave name when calling the police (some people do not call because they don't want to 'get involved'. It is important for these people to realize they can call anonymously)

- Do not think someone else called - the more the police are called about one incident, the more attention is given to the call.

- A call about a "suspicious event" means there is no crime occurring - a "suspicious person" may not get an immediate response. A call about a situation that appears like it might be gang related or a gang activity will get faster response time.

- Please be aware the people who work the police line are volunteers and not trained police officers, it is important when calling to paint a picture of the need and stress the anxiety level for the call.

- Depending on the situation, police may patrol the area on foot to collect as much info as possible before arriving by patrol.

The information below can be found on line at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/gisapps/myneighborhood/mynpolice.aspx?fxmResolution=1024x768

INDEX 1
CASE NUMBER 2008159000372 INCIDENT TYPE Robbery TIME 6/7/2008 2:42:35 AM STREET 6300 Blk DAKINE CIR DISTRICT STATION Franconia

INDEX 2
CASE NUMBER 2008158000323 INCIDENT TYPE Vehicle Tampering TIME 6/6/2008 3:00:50 AM STREET 6500 Blk FORSYTHIA ST DISTRICT STATION Franconia

INDEX 3
CASE NUMBER 2008176002767 INCIDENT TYPE Destruction TIME 6/24/2008 6:44:35 PM STREET 6300 Blk DAKINE CIR DISTRICT STATION Franconia

INDEX 4
CASE NUMBER 2008155002137 INCIDENT TYPE Drug Offense TIME 6/3/2008 2:15:36 PM STREET 6500 Blk FRANCONIA RD DISTRICT STATION Franconia

INDEX 5
CASE NUMBER 2008156001889 INCIDENT TYPE Assault TIME 6/4/2008 1:23:56 PM STREET 6400 Blk FRANCONIA RD DISTRICT STATION Franconia

INDEX 6
CASE NUMBER 2008164002633 INCIDENT TYPE Larceny TIME 6/12/2008 5:15:44 PM STREET 6400 Blk LURETA ANN LN DISTRICT STATION Franconia

Shooting on Dakine

Sorry for the delay in posting to the website - An email did go out to the Neighborhood Watch Distribution list. To receive email updates, please send a request to greenwoodnwc@gmail.com.

Neighborhood Watch received an email from a neighbor on Dakine about the robbery and shooting on Dakine. Below is the PIO release regarding the attack.

Friday night at 2 am there were at least 8 police cars in front of the neighbors house and the canine dogs are going through her yard and the house next door. Officers said there had been a “robbery”. At 6am when she took her dog out 2 police cars were still there along with a green police crime scene van. Police were taking pictures of the inside of the garage of 6380 as well as the inside of an open mini-van parked in the garage. At that point, she asked the officer if the robbery appeared to be random and he said no, not at all. She was told by a Fairfax County police officer that an Asian woman was robbed of $6,000 and there was a weapon involved. Neighbors on the other side of 6380 were told by a detective that the woman was shot.

It is very important that we realize there is a lot of gang crime in Springfield. This incident happened a few days earlier behind the metro.

PLEASE - Contact the police if you see ANYthing strange or suspicious in the neighborhood.

News Release: 08/159/0372/drg6)
June 9, 2008

Armed Robbery and Shooting in Springfield
A husband and wife were robbed and the wife was shot once in the hand, shortly after 2 a.m. on the morning of Saturday, June 7. The victims arrived home in separate cars. The wife pulled into the garage on Dakine Circle while the husband pulled into the driveway and got out of his car. Three suspects, one armed with a handgun, knocked the husband to the ground and demanded money. The suspect with the gun went to the wife’s car and knocked on the window. The victim refused to get out of the car and locked herself in. The suspect fired one round through the driver’s window, striking the victim in the hand. The suspect reached into the car and grabbed the victim’s purse. All three suspects fled toward Seatrend Way. The woman was transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

The three suspects were described as men of unknown race, wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.


PIO Release.
MPO Jim Nida
Crime Prevention Office
Franconia District Station
Fairfax County Police Department
703-246-2253. TTY 703-204-2264. Fax 703-246-4253
FCPD-PIO@fairfaxcounty.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov

Attempted Abduction in the Hayfield Area

Fairfax County Police DepartmentPublic Information Office
4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va. 22030
703-246-2253. TTY 703-204-2264. Fax 703-246-4253
FCPD-PIO@fairfaxcounty.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov
Media Advisory: 08/151/3643/(6)
June 3, 2008

Attempted Abduction in the Hayfield Area
A 19-year-old Hayfield-area woman was grabbed by a man as she was jogging on Friday, May 30 around 11 p.m., near Welch Court and Buckhaven Court. The victim saw a man in a dark green pick-up truck drive past her several times and eventually park. The driver got out of the truck, ran toward her and grabbed her in a bear hug. The victim was able to fight off her attacker and run away unharmed. The suspect ran back to his truck and fled on Welch Court, toward Broadmoor Street.
The victim was not able to clearly identify the suspect’s race. He was between 6 feet 3 inches and 6 feet 11 inches tall. He was wearing work boots and a hooded sweat shirt. The truck was possibly a Ford with a large cab, carrying a lawnmower in the back.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.

Suspicious Activity on Dakine Circle

Our neighbor on Dakine Circle alerted NW about the following suspicious activity and/or Individuals within Greenwood and surrounding areas. Please be aware and be sure to use the emergency numbers found in the column to the right if you see anything that seems suspicious.

Hint - when reporting an incident to the please - if you tell the police it appears to be 'gang related' they will give it a higher priority. Also, the more calls that come in, the more likely police will respond in a timely manner.

Our neighbor's dog woke her up at 4:12am on Thursday May 8th and when walking her dog near the path to Springfield Forest Park she noticed 2 white plastic bags that appeared full. The dog started barking as if someone was near. The dog continued barking once inside the house. At 6am both bags were gone and an Asian man was running from the gravel path, while a second Asian man came running from the other end of Dakine Circle. The neighbor called the police and they took a report.

After speaking to others about the incident she was informed someone else was awakened by his dog at 4 am to a noise in his back yard, he threw his second spot light on and found an Asian woman trying to get in his back door, the woman was on a cell phone. When confronted, the woman pretended she was drunk, apologized and said she was at the wrong house, giving another house number. The neighbor let her go, until he saw her again walking in front of his house straight as a board at 6 am. He also called the police and then he saw the same 2 Asian men running around and the woman was lugging a large suitcase.

From what the neighbor was told, these people were stopped by the police on Seatrend as they were trying to get out of Greenwood. Police took their identification. Apparently the three were working together and were using cell phones to communicate as they were looking for homes to break into during the early morning hours.

Thankfully these vigilant neighbors called the police, reported the situation and criminals were caught in the act.

Please do your part to prevent your family from becoming victims. Criminals look for opportunity - keep your doors locked - even when you are in the house. Do not leave anything valuable in your car. Leave outside lights on, especially overnight in both the front and back of the house. And again - report Anything that appears suspicious.

Help prevent crime in Greenwood

The annual Greenwood Spring Cleanup is this weekend. The Neighborhood Watch Committee encourages all neighbors to participate on Saturday. It's a great way to meet new neighbors and friends and by keeping Greenwood clean, you send a message to criminals that we care about our neighborhood. A clean, well lit neighborhood is one of the best ways to deter criminals from entering a community. Hope to see you on Saturday.

Greenwood Community

6th Annual Krispy Kreme and Klean Spring Cleanup

Saturday, April 19

Rain Date: Sat., April 26

8:30 a.m. start

Meet at the Pool House

The Open Space Committee has announced the 6th annual Krispy Kreme and Klean Spring Cleanup for our Greenwood Community. The event will take place on Saturday, April 19th starting at 8:30 AM and last usually until about 11:00 AM. (rain date is the following Saturday, April 26th).

The more people that show up to help, the better the job, the easier the job, and the quicker the job gets done! So, we ask everyone in our community to give a few hours of their time to help. We meet at the pool house at 8:30 AM to enjoy coffee, juice, water and Krispy Kreme donuts. Each person or family (kids are welcomed to help) will be assigned an area to work, usually near your own residence. Garbage bags are provided and we send a vehicle around to collect the bags and bring them back to the pool house where a giant dumpster will be provided.

All volunteers should wear long pants and shirtsleeves and bring gloves for protection. This can be a fun event… an opportunity to meet your neighbors, and a chance to make a contribution to your community… one that benefits all of us. So, please set aside the date and plan to come out and support our community.

If you would like to volunteer to help with setup or have a truck that can tote trash bags, please contact Norm Henslee at 571-275-5050.

Thanks in advance and we look forward to seeing you all at 8:30 AM on Saturday, April 19th, at the pool house.

GPS Unit stolen from Car on Racetec

The following email was sent to greenwoodnwc@gmail.com:

On Tuesday, 4/8, a Nissan truck on Racetec Place was broken into between midnight and 6AM. The drivers window was smashed and the GPS was stolen. Police were notified.

Police see an increase in the number of GPS units stolen and are urging people to make sure electronics are removed from vehicles or at least hidden from view to decrease the chance of theft.

"Laptops, iPods, radios, radar detectors, cell phones and GPS units are an easy turnaround," Grennon said. "With so many people having GPS units, we recommend that they be removed from vehicles overnight. You're not likely to put a GPS in the trunk when you stop at Wawa for coffee, but people have to be cognizant of the fact that their cars are not 100 percent safe even in their driveway."

"Even if you hear glass breaking, by the time you get up and look outside the thief and your GPS will be gone if you leave something where someone can see it," Grennon said.

Be sure to write down the make, model and serial number of your GPS. If it's stolen, at least you have a chance of getting it back. You can also register GPS units (as well as other electronic gadgets) at the manufacturer's website.

SAFE Experience

The following article was written by a neighbor who attended the free SAFE course offered by the Fairfax County Police department and was posted in the Greenwood Community Newsletter

Hello neighbors. I want to briefly share with you my Sexual Assault Free & Empowered (SAFE) experience. SAFE is a free self defense program for women. I read about it in the December Greenwood Newsletter and signed up for the February course. I attended all four sessions of the course and am so glad I did. Well trained instructors empowered me with knowledge of crime preventive strategies and provided actual hands-on training in physical defense techniques that I applied in a realistic controlled environment. Every woman in my class echoed how amazing the experience was for them and how confident they feel inflicting some serious bodily harm on a potential attacker. We all know there are people in our society that want to physically harm others and this program truly prepares you to react if threatened. The instructors told us several stories of women that have gone through the program and used the techniques they learned to successfully defend themselves. I strongly urge every Greenwood women to make it a priority to take this course. Your survival may very well depend on it.

Google search key words: SAFE Fairfax County
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/safe_selfdefense.htm

Individuals Lurking Behind Houses on Demme Place

Thank you to our Greenwood neighbor for being observant and alerting the police and the NWC to the following incident. This is a perfect example of how being aware of our surrounding and reporting detailed information can help keep our neighborhood safe. Please share this information with your neighbors. We can all do our part - be alert, turn on outside lights to increase safety and report any and all incidents to the police.

At 10:57pm on Friday, March 28, 2008, when my wife and I were returning home, we saw a group of four people wearing dark hooded sweatshirts and carrying large flashlights standing in the shadows of the common area behind 6338 Demme Pl.

I pointed my car to shine the headlights directly on them to get a better look at them. As soon as I lit them up, they quickly walked north east towards 6336 Demme Pl., then abruptly turned and headed west through the grassy common area behind 6338 through 6348 Demme Pl. I then drove my car west on Demme Pl. As soon as I got to 6348 Demme Pl., a man in a dark hooded sweatshirt came running southbound out from between 6348 and 6350 Demme Pl. As soon as he saw me, he reversed direction and ran northbound back between the houses into the darkness. I called the police and watched the area until the police arrived. The police checked the area.

Then, 3 hours later, at 1:58am on Saturday, March 29th, I looked out of my rear window and saw the shadow of a person walking eastbound across my back yard (cast by my rear patio light). I called the police again and asked them to check the area again.

As far as I know, the police never found anything.

I would highly encourage my Greenwood neighbors:
- to be aware that people are lurking in their back yards, probably casing for burglary or larceny
- to turn on their rear lights at night to eliminate the darkness that provides a safe haven to prospective burglars and thieves
- not to leave valuables outside
- to watch for people who don't belong, and call police to report any suspicious activity.

Indecent Exposure at Bus Stop

A 15-year-old Alexandria-area girl was the victim of an indecent exposure Thursday, February 28. She was waiting for the school bus at Spring Faire Court and Hayfield Road in the Kingstowne area around 6:40 a.m. A man driving an older model, gold car with four doors pulled up next to her and asked for directions. The girl walked closer and the man exposed himself. She ran home and the suspect fled. The victim was not injured.

The suspect was described as black, in his 20s.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.

Serial Attacker in Springfield Area

Woman Assaulted While Walking Home

On Monday, January 28 at 8 p.m., officers responded to the 7300 block of Allan Avenue in Falls Church for a woman who was assaulted. The 63-year-old Falls Church-area woman was walking home from a bus stop when she was attacked. The suspect grabbed her from behind and dragged into a dark area. The attacker fled when a passing vehicle drove by. The victim was not injured.

The suspect was described as a man of unknown race about 5 feet 9 inches tall and 150 pounds. He was wearing dark clothing and a dark ski mask.

This is the sixth similar incident in Fairfax County and makes 11 total incidents including the City of Alexandria. Investigators from Fairfax County and Alexandria City have been working closely on these cases.

In all these cases the suspects have been wearing dark clothing and ski mask. They have ranged in height from 5 feet 1 inch to 6 tall of unknown race. They have attacked from behind and assaulted their victim. The victims have been white, Hispanic, black and Asian. They have ranged in age from 18 to 63 years old. The similarities among the victims have been walking alone in hours of darkness.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.

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This string of attacks heightens the need to be able to defend yourself. According to the police, he has often stopped his attack when the woman screams or defends herself. The SAFE Classes are filling up quickly as the knowledge of this attacker spreads. If you have not done so already, PLEASE sign up as soon as possible for the next available SAFE class.
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/safe_selfdefense.htm
(Google key words: SAFE Fairfax County)

Two Robbed in Springfield

On Sunday, January 27 at approximately 7 p.m., a mother and daughter were robbed while walking home from the store. The 35-year-old Springfield-area woman and her 13-year-old daughter were in the 6000 block of Dinwiddie Street when they saw a mini-van drive past and park just ahead of them. Two men got out of the car, threatened the victims with a knife and announced a robbery. The suspects went through the victims’ pockets, took cash and fled. There were no injuries.

The both suspects were described as being about 18 years old. One was approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and heavy set with a birthmark on his face. He was wearing a red and white striped shirt, black pants and a brown sweater. The other was approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and thin. He was wearing a gray and white shirt, dark pants and a brown jacket. They were seen in a green van with a white hood.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS(8477) or Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.