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.