The Halloween tips below was found on http://www.usa.safekids.org/ - this is a very good site to check frequently for Kid Safety information.
Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, and many kids will be out late trick-or-treating while it is dark – making it harder for drivers to see them. Whether you are a driver or a parent, you can do your part to help kids stay out of the emergency room on Halloween.
Top five safety tips for children walking on Halloween:
- Cross the street safely at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross. Walk, don’t run, across the street.
- Walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
- Slow down and stay alert – watch out for cars that are turning or backing up and never dart out into the street or cross in between parked cars.
- Young children should trick or treat with an adult. Children younger than age 12 should not cross streets at night without an adult. If older kids are mature enough to go trick-or-treating without adult supervision, parents should make sure they go in a group and stick to a predetermined route with good lighting.
- Costumes can be both creative and safe. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors. Masks can obstruct a child’s vision, so choose non-toxic face paint and make-up whenever possible instead. Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights in order to see better, as well as be seen by drivers.
Top five safety tips for drivers on Halloween:
- Slow down in residential neighborhoods and school zones. Remember that popular trick-or-treating hours are during 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Be especially alert and take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
- Slowly and carefully enter and exit driveways and alleys.
- Reduce any distractions inside your car, such as talking on the phone or eating, so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
- Drive with your full headlights on so you can spot children from greater distances. Remember that costumes can limit children’s visibility and they may not be able to see your vehicle.
- In preparation for Halloween, 150 local Safe Kids coalitions across the country will team up with Walk This Way program sponsor FedEx to provide kids with reflective materials to promote visibility, including trick-or-treat bags and zipper tags that can be attached to costumes, as well as important safety information for children, parents, and drivers.
For more tips on how to help kids become safer pedestrians on Halloween, as well as throughout the year, visit our Halloween page.
http://www.usa.safekids.org/tier3_cd.cfm?folder_id=301&content_item_id=26431
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
House in Greenwood Burglarized
Recently the NWC was informed of two recent incidents that happened in Greenwood and wanted to share their story to help inform neighbors.
A home on Levi Court was burglarized sometime between the evening of Friday, Sept. 25th and the morning of Saturday, Sept. 26th. The thief(s) managed to get into the car parked in the driveway and stole cash, a GPS and other personal items. The thief(s) then used the garage remote control stored in the car to get access to the garage and stole cash and items from the car parked inside the garage. The police commented that there have been similar cases like this one in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Luckily the door from the garage to the house was locked or the thief(s) would have then had full access to the house! As a direct result of hearing this story, I have removed the garage door opener that I stored in my car. Some newer garage openers have a smaller remote key chain opener. This is a big reminder not only to bring in all valuables from cars, but to also lock all house doors. If a door is shut, it should be locked.
The second incident happened about a month ago. A neighbor, preparing to leave for a trip, went out to her car (which was parked in the driveway) at 6:15am. Since she was going to return right away, she left her car unlocked when she went back into the house. Upon returning a few minutes later, it was clear someone had been in the car and ripped through everything. This is a perfect example of how a majority of crimes are opportunity. Someone nearby happened to see the car was left unlocked and tried to take advantage of the situation. Luckily the woman brought in her GPS and other valuables and nothing was taken. It’s recommended to lock your car, even if you expect to return right away. And again – never leave any valuables in the car.
Please email the NWC to report any suspicious activities, incidents or suggestions for articles or tips to share with your Greenwood neighbors. greenwoodnwc@gmail.com
A home on Levi Court was burglarized sometime between the evening of Friday, Sept. 25th and the morning of Saturday, Sept. 26th. The thief(s) managed to get into the car parked in the driveway and stole cash, a GPS and other personal items. The thief(s) then used the garage remote control stored in the car to get access to the garage and stole cash and items from the car parked inside the garage. The police commented that there have been similar cases like this one in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Luckily the door from the garage to the house was locked or the thief(s) would have then had full access to the house! As a direct result of hearing this story, I have removed the garage door opener that I stored in my car. Some newer garage openers have a smaller remote key chain opener. This is a big reminder not only to bring in all valuables from cars, but to also lock all house doors. If a door is shut, it should be locked.
The second incident happened about a month ago. A neighbor, preparing to leave for a trip, went out to her car (which was parked in the driveway) at 6:15am. Since she was going to return right away, she left her car unlocked when she went back into the house. Upon returning a few minutes later, it was clear someone had been in the car and ripped through everything. This is a perfect example of how a majority of crimes are opportunity. Someone nearby happened to see the car was left unlocked and tried to take advantage of the situation. Luckily the woman brought in her GPS and other valuables and nothing was taken. It’s recommended to lock your car, even if you expect to return right away. And again – never leave any valuables in the car.
Please email the NWC to report any suspicious activities, incidents or suggestions for articles or tips to share with your Greenwood neighbors. greenwoodnwc@gmail.com
Safety At Springfield Mall
Please continue to be aware of your surroundings and personal belongings while shopping at Springfield Mall. The police recommend parking in open parking lots rather than covered parking. There are fewer hiding spaces and more witnesses.
Fairfax County Police has office space at Springfield Mall located at the lower level by Macy's.
Fairfax Co. Police Search for Mall Parking Lot Attackers
09/01/09
Police Arrest Suspect in Metro Abduction
09/02/09
The recent stabbing that took place at Springfield Mall on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 was self inflicted.
The following article was posted to the Fairfax County website:
Springfield Mall
Update, January 2009
When I was growing up in Lee District, Springfield Mall was a vibrant and modern retail center with stores like Garfinkels and W. Bell Company. Times changed; other malls were developed and redeveloped, yet Springfield Mall’s 80 acres of stores and restaurants remained fixed in time with an absentee owner who saw no reason to invest in his property. The results were all too obvious—B-list retailers, questionable security, and customers who preferred to shop at Tysons, Pentagon City, and anywhere that wasn’t Springfield Mall. A few years ago Vornado Realty Trust, one of the country’s largest owners of retail and office property purchased the mall, intending to transform it into a mixed-use development with retail, office, hotel, and residential.
Vornado’s plans encompass a multi-phase renovation over a period of years. Some of the changes are already evident as the Mall prepares for its interior renovation. The leases of some tenants have not been renewed and other tenants are being moved within the Mall to accommodate the upcoming construction. Security has been significantly improved with the police and Mall security working closely together.
While construction on the first phase of redevelopment (primarily interior upgrades to the existing mall) is expected to begin in spring 2009, the second phase that requires a plan amendment and rezoning was approved by the citizen-led Lee District Land Use Committee and the Fairfax County Planning Commission. The rezoning case is scheduled to go before the Board of Supervisors on February 23.
This second phase would be a pedestrian-oriented town center with retail, office, hotel, and residential. Plans include pocket parks scattered throughout the development, as well as significant environmental upgrades and pedestrian plazas.
Transportation is an important issue and Fairfax County and VDOT are working closely with the Mall developers to ensure that both pedestrians and vehicles will be able to get around. Transportation improvements will include a street grid within the property, and an on-road bike lane for the perimeter roads and trails, as well as improved pedestrian connections between the town center and the Franconia/Springfield Metro and enhanced bus service.
You can find more information about the Mall’s plans at the Springfield Town Center site. I am very excited about the future of the mall and its potential to once again be a positive community focal point.
Fairfax County Police has office space at Springfield Mall located at the lower level by Macy's.
Fairfax Co. Police Search for Mall Parking Lot Attackers
09/01/09
Police Arrest Suspect in Metro Abduction
09/02/09
The recent stabbing that took place at Springfield Mall on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 was self inflicted.
The following article was posted to the Fairfax County website:
Springfield Mall
Update, January 2009
When I was growing up in Lee District, Springfield Mall was a vibrant and modern retail center with stores like Garfinkels and W. Bell Company. Times changed; other malls were developed and redeveloped, yet Springfield Mall’s 80 acres of stores and restaurants remained fixed in time with an absentee owner who saw no reason to invest in his property. The results were all too obvious—B-list retailers, questionable security, and customers who preferred to shop at Tysons, Pentagon City, and anywhere that wasn’t Springfield Mall. A few years ago Vornado Realty Trust, one of the country’s largest owners of retail and office property purchased the mall, intending to transform it into a mixed-use development with retail, office, hotel, and residential.
Vornado’s plans encompass a multi-phase renovation over a period of years. Some of the changes are already evident as the Mall prepares for its interior renovation. The leases of some tenants have not been renewed and other tenants are being moved within the Mall to accommodate the upcoming construction. Security has been significantly improved with the police and Mall security working closely together.
While construction on the first phase of redevelopment (primarily interior upgrades to the existing mall) is expected to begin in spring 2009, the second phase that requires a plan amendment and rezoning was approved by the citizen-led Lee District Land Use Committee and the Fairfax County Planning Commission. The rezoning case is scheduled to go before the Board of Supervisors on February 23.
This second phase would be a pedestrian-oriented town center with retail, office, hotel, and residential. Plans include pocket parks scattered throughout the development, as well as significant environmental upgrades and pedestrian plazas.
Transportation is an important issue and Fairfax County and VDOT are working closely with the Mall developers to ensure that both pedestrians and vehicles will be able to get around. Transportation improvements will include a street grid within the property, and an on-road bike lane for the perimeter roads and trails, as well as improved pedestrian connections between the town center and the Franconia/Springfield Metro and enhanced bus service.
You can find more information about the Mall’s plans at the Springfield Town Center site. I am very excited about the future of the mall and its potential to once again be a positive community focal point.
You can Minimize Your Risk for Identity Theft
Get information and tips from The Consumer Affairs Branch of the Department of Cable Communications and Consumer Protection during National Protect Your Identity Week.
DATE:Thursday, October 22, 2009
TIME: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00p.m.
WHERE: Fairfax County
Government Center
12000 Government
Center Parkway
Conference Rooms2-3
Fairfax, VA 22035
To register call - 703-222-8435 or online at consumer@fairfaxcounty.gov
NationalProtect Your Identity Week (PYIW)
October 17-24
is sponsored by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling www.ProtectYourIDNow.org
DATE:Thursday, October 22, 2009
TIME: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00p.m.
WHERE: Fairfax County
Government Center
12000 Government
Center Parkway
Conference Rooms2-3
Fairfax, VA 22035
To register call - 703-222-8435 or online at consumer@fairfaxcounty.gov
NationalProtect Your Identity Week (PYIW)
October 17-24
is sponsored by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling www.ProtectYourIDNow.org
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Texting Bill in effect Wednesday, July 1
The Fairfax County Police Department urges motorists to pay full time and attention when driving and reminds them that House Bill 1876 goes into effect on Wednesday, July 1. The new law prohibits drivers from sending or reading text messages and is punishable by a fine of $20.00 for the first offense and $50.00 for additional infractions. Virginia is the ninth state in the nation to ban text messaging while driving.
Commander of the Traffic Division, Captain Susan Culin, stresses that “the primary responsibility of a driver is to operate a motor vehicle safely. Driving requires one’s full attention and focus.” There were 14,078 traffic crashes in Fairfax County in 2008. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver distraction (from all sources) contributes to 25 percent of all police-reported crashes.
In the past, without a specific law pertaining to text messaging behind the wheel, officers charged violators with failure to pay full time and attention, a problem that is clearly on the rise. In 2008, Fairfax County Police officers charged 4,303 drivers, an increase from 3,317 arrests in 2007.
National Distracted Driving Week, led by the National Safety Council, runs June 22 – 28, 2009 and police join them in reminding motorists of the importance of educating and influencing people on how to help prevent accidental injury and death.
Learn more about new Virginia laws, and tips on avoiding distracted driving, at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police. Watch the latest edition of F.C.P.D. Newsline where PFC Joe Moore describes several traffic laws motorists need to know.
Commander of the Traffic Division, Captain Susan Culin, stresses that “the primary responsibility of a driver is to operate a motor vehicle safely. Driving requires one’s full attention and focus.” There were 14,078 traffic crashes in Fairfax County in 2008. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver distraction (from all sources) contributes to 25 percent of all police-reported crashes.
In the past, without a specific law pertaining to text messaging behind the wheel, officers charged violators with failure to pay full time and attention, a problem that is clearly on the rise. In 2008, Fairfax County Police officers charged 4,303 drivers, an increase from 3,317 arrests in 2007.
National Distracted Driving Week, led by the National Safety Council, runs June 22 – 28, 2009 and police join them in reminding motorists of the importance of educating and influencing people on how to help prevent accidental injury and death.
Learn more about new Virginia laws, and tips on avoiding distracted driving, at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police. Watch the latest edition of F.C.P.D. Newsline where PFC Joe Moore describes several traffic laws motorists need to know.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Bike Stolen
Last night a neighbor on Levi Court had his bicycle stolen from the front of his house. It was last seen last night cable locked to his front step railing and this morning it was missing.
It was a dark blue mountain bike brand MOTIV Freeport model with Shimano gears and comfort seat. The word MOTIV in large letters down the frame and the owner applied a code number AL3448252 for documentation.
A 3 foot long shepherds hook was left behind nearby and may have been used to try to pry the lock. A nylon hair comb was found in the yard.
The bike in question is similar to the attached photo but was dark blue with a bigger aftermarket comfort seat.
Last year a bike was stolen from one house and was left on another neighbor's lawn. Please be on the lookout around the neighborhood to see if the bike can be located and ask around to see if anyone found a bike lying around or knows anything.
A report was filed with the police and the information was added to an online stolen bike registry.
http://www.stolenbicycleregistry.com/showbike.php?oid=4350
It was a dark blue mountain bike brand MOTIV Freeport model with Shimano gears and comfort seat. The word MOTIV in large letters down the frame and the owner applied a code number AL3448252 for documentation.
A 3 foot long shepherds hook was left behind nearby and may have been used to try to pry the lock. A nylon hair comb was found in the yard.
The bike in question is similar to the attached photo but was dark blue with a bigger aftermarket comfort seat.
Last year a bike was stolen from one house and was left on another neighbor's lawn. Please be on the lookout around the neighborhood to see if the bike can be located and ask around to see if anyone found a bike lying around or knows anything.
A report was filed with the police and the information was added to an online stolen bike registry.
http://www.stolenbicycleregistry.com/showbike.php?oid=4350
Monday, May 11, 2009
Animal Cruelty in Greenwood
Last month a resident witnessed neighborhood boys throwing stones at the Canada Geese by the pond in Greenwood, then noticed one of the birds attacked dying.
While Canada geese are often seen as a nuisance, they are living creatures; and attacking and killing animals that are unable to defend themselves can be a sign of other aggressive tendencies.
According to a 1997 study done by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Northeastern University, animal abusers are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people and four times more likely to commit property crimes than are individuals without a history of animal abuse.
http://www.pet-abuse.com/pages/abuse_connection.php
Animal Control Officers are trained law enforcement officers responsible for enforcing county ordinances and state laws that pertain to animals and their treatment. The primary function of a Fairfax County Police Department Animal Control Officer is to help protect county residents while dealing with pets and animals as humanely as possible.
Animal Control Section hours of service:
Seven days a week, 6 a.m.- 12:30 a.m.
Call 703-691-2131 to report an incident
What to report and how to make a report:
Call the Fairfax County Police non-emergency dispatch number at 703-691-2131 to report:
http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/13800/NJ/US/
While Canada geese are often seen as a nuisance, they are living creatures; and attacking and killing animals that are unable to defend themselves can be a sign of other aggressive tendencies.
According to a 1997 study done by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Northeastern University, animal abusers are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people and four times more likely to commit property crimes than are individuals without a history of animal abuse.
http://www.pet-abuse.com/pages/abuse_connection.php
Animal Control Officers are trained law enforcement officers responsible for enforcing county ordinances and state laws that pertain to animals and their treatment. The primary function of a Fairfax County Police Department Animal Control Officer is to help protect county residents while dealing with pets and animals as humanely as possible.
Animal Control Section hours of service:
Seven days a week, 6 a.m.- 12:30 a.m.
Call 703-691-2131 to report an incident
What to report and how to make a report:
Call the Fairfax County Police non-emergency dispatch number at 703-691-2131 to report:
- Dog bites
- Animal cruelty or neglect
- Sick or injured wildlife
- Human exposure/encounters with potentially rabid wildlife
http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/13800/NJ/US/
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Keys Found
Monday March 30, 2009 a set of keys were found on the sidewalk between the pool and Trips Way. There are two silver keys on a key ring that is attached to an elastic "wrist" band. The elastic band is seafoam green with a seafoam green stone. There is also a charm on the elastic band. If they are yours, please contact Peggy Fouts (C) 703-350-3050. Be prepared to describe the charm.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Groups of Car Thieves Targeting Fairfax County
Fairfax, Va. - Fairfax County (web | news)
Police are warning the public about a recent string of car thefts.
Since August of 2008, police report that at least 30 Acura vehicles, all either the RSX or Integra and ranging from the 1994 to 2004 models, have been stolen across the county.
Several of the vehicles were recovered; the thieves had stripped the cars for parts.
Investigators believe that the thefts were orchestrated by several organized groups operating all over the metro area. Damage and loss to these stolen cars exceeds $360,000 so far.
Police want to residents to be careful and take steps to minimize the risks they take of becoming victims of car thieves. Residents are encouraged to remember that vehicles with computer-coded key chips are equally susceptible to theft. Police say that a vehicle should never be left unattended while it is running, even with the doors locked, and that keys and valuables should not be left in the car. They also suggest an alarm or anti-theft device for all vehicles.
Fairfax County detectives are looking for any information the public may have about the groups responsible for the recent auto thefts.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
Police are warning the public about a recent string of car thefts.
Since August of 2008, police report that at least 30 Acura vehicles, all either the RSX or Integra and ranging from the 1994 to 2004 models, have been stolen across the county.
Several of the vehicles were recovered; the thieves had stripped the cars for parts.
Investigators believe that the thefts were orchestrated by several organized groups operating all over the metro area. Damage and loss to these stolen cars exceeds $360,000 so far.
Police want to residents to be careful and take steps to minimize the risks they take of becoming victims of car thieves. Residents are encouraged to remember that vehicles with computer-coded key chips are equally susceptible to theft. Police say that a vehicle should never be left unattended while it is running, even with the doors locked, and that keys and valuables should not be left in the car. They also suggest an alarm or anti-theft device for all vehicles.
Fairfax County detectives are looking for any information the public may have about the groups responsible for the recent auto thefts.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
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