Snow Day

The NWC hopes everyone stays safe and warm on this beautiful snow blanketed day.

While you are out shoveling your walkways, driveways, and parking spaces please take the time to notice your neighbors. If you have an elderly neighbor or if you know a neighbor is away, please take the time to shovel for them.

A home not shoveled is a clear sign to criminals that no one is home.

Preventing Crime

While the severity of the crimes differs, the similarities between the home invasion and the two murders in Springfield, VA have one thing in common. The door was open to the criminal(s). In the home invasion, the criminals forced their way into the home after the door was opened to them. In both murder cases, there was no forced entry into the homes detected leaving the police to believe either the door was unlocked or the victims opened the door allowing the killer into the home.
To best protect you and your family, never open your door to a stranger. Use your peephole to see who is at the door before you open it. Ask for identification before allowing a meter reader or repair person into your home. Peepholes are easy to install and replace for the newer models out on the market now that grant more visibility. If you have children, place the peepholes low enough for the children to use.

Talk to your children about safety when you are home and when they are alone. A tip from Officer Nida was for children to call out for a parent even if alone when there is a stranger at the door.
The police recommend keeping your doors locked at all times, when you enter and when you leave your home. Most crimes that occur are due to opportunity – simply locking your door is one way to reduce the chances of becoming a victim.

Home Invasion in Springfield Area

Two men forced their way into the home of a Springfield couple, located in the 6700 block of Metropolitan Center Drive, on Sunday, February 11 around 11:30 a.m. A 24-year-old man heard the doorbell and answered the door to two men. One of the men made a statement and cut the victim on the upper body with a small knife. Both suspects forced their way in and demanded money. The victim and his 20-year-old wife relinquished an undisclosed amount of money and the suspects fled. The injured victim refused medical treatment.

The suspects were described as black. The first suspect was about 5 feet 9 inches tall with a goatee. He wore a green jacket, black boots and blue jeans. The second suspect wore a black jacket with fur around the hood and a black, knit cap.

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


PIO Release
Crime Prevention Office
Franconia District Station
Fairfax County Police Department

Armed Burglar at Medical Building

Police seek the public’s assistance in identifying an armed burglar. On Saturday, February 3 between the hours of 9:30 and 10:30 p.m., a man with a gun entered the Kaiser Permanente office building at 12011 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway in the Fair Oaks area. He damaged property to include a cash register, vending machine and several doors. No one was injured.

The suspect is described as a man approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and 190 pounds. He was wearing a black leather jacket, tan pants and a ski mask.

Anyone recognizing this suspect or with information about this incident is asked to call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or the police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131.

Crime Prevention Office
Franconia District Station
Fairfax County Police Department

News Release: 07/035/1224/EJA/(8)
February 6, 2007
Release from PIO

Attempted Robbery at Costco

On Tuesday, February 6 a man robbed the Costco, located at 7373 Boston Boulevard in the Fullerton area of Fairfax County. At approximately 4:30 p.m., the suspect exited through a side door with a cart full of merchandise. An alarm sounded and an employee, a 31-year-old Alexandria-area man, chased the suspect. The suspect pointed a gun at the employee as he fled. The cart fell over and the merchandise fell out. The suspect continued to run away, and the employee stopped at the merchandise.

The suspect was described as a black man in his 30s. He was approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighed 250 pounds. He was wearing a checkered multicolored flannel jacket, jeans, and black gloves and cap.

Anyone with information about this incident or this suspect is asked to call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or the police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131.

Crime Prevention OfficeFranconia
Fairfax County Police Department

Release: 07/037/2276/EJA/(7)
February 7, 2007
Release from PIO

Woman Robbed of a Purse in the Lorton Area

On Friday, February 2 at approximately 9:15 p.m. a man robbed a woman of her purse and stabbed a man. A 40-year-old Lorton-area woman pulled into her driveway in the 8300 block of Accotink Road. Her husband, a 47-year-old Lorton-area man, had just opened the garage door. The woman was exiting her car when a stranger grabbed her purse. The husband came running to assist. He was stabbed in the upper body with an unknown object by the suspect. The suspect ran toward Hamilton Road with the purse. The victim was transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

The suspect was described as a black man approximately 6 feet tall. He was wearing a black hat and black clothes.

Anyone with information about this incident or this suspect is asked to call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or the police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131.

Crime Prevention Office
Franconia District Station
Fairfax County Police Department

News Release: 07/036/2785/EJA/(6)
February 5, 2007
Release from PIO

Store Robbed in the Annandale Area

An employee at a convenience store was robbed on Sunday evening. Police were called to the Rite Aid store, located at 7434 Little River Turnpike, just after 6 p.m. on January 28. An investigation determined that while closing the pharmacy, the employee, a 47-year-old Alexandria-area woman, was approached by a man. After briefly speaking with the employee, the man brandished a handgun and demanded the cash tray which the victim was holding. A second male suspect then appeared. Both suspects fled the store with the cash. No one was injured.

The suspects were described as black males in their 20s. The first suspect was 5 feet 10 inches tall and 180 pounds. He was wearing a black jacket and dark sunglasses. The second suspect was 6 feet 1 inch tall and 170 pounds. He was wearing a black jacket and a black and white bandana.

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

Crime Prevention Office
Franconia District Station
Fairfax County Police Department

News Release 07/028/1738/SB(4)
January 29, 2007
Release from PIO

Sexual Assault Free and Empowered

The Sexual Assault Free & Empowered (S.A.F.E.) course has been posted about previously, but it is definitely worth addressing again. Having recently taken the free self defense course offered through the Fairfax County Police Department, I cannot recommend it enough. Empowered is an excellent word to describe how you feel after spending 12 hours (over the course of 4 days) with 40 other women of all ages and levels of physical fitness encouraging one another to fight, kick and yell your way to safety.

In addition to the hands on training, you also receive classroom knowledge on how to protect yourself, your family and your home.

Every woman in Fairfax County should take the course and every man should encourage a woman he loves to take the course.

Many thanks to the Officers and volunteers who put a lot of work and energy into this program and in return (aside from 40 well trained women) they get a lot of bruises and sore muscles.

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/safe_selfdefense.htm

As many students who have taken the class have stated "This program is a wise investment of your time." Consider These Statistics:

• 90% of self defense is in the prevention of an attack
• 90% of crime is opportunistic
• Acts of violence occur every 15 seconds in the United States

The classes are offered once a month over a two-week period on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Classes are free of charge, but involve a commitment to attend four 3-hour sessions. The classes are currently held at the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy located in Chantilly, Virginia.

For more details, a list of class dates or to sign up for the course, please call 703-246-7806

No neighborhood is free of crime and Greenwood is no exception. Last month we had a couple break-ins*. One happened at night and one happened in broad daylight.

According to the police, for a home to be hit during the day, most likely the house was watched before they broke in. Criminals look for patterns when targeting a home. If you use timers for lights, try to vary them from room to room and vary the times. One of the easiest ways to keep the criminals from detecting a pattern is to leave your lights on all the time, in the front and in the back. Keeping your lights always on will not only prevent a pattern but can also reduces the atmosphere for crime by providing a lot more light on the street and around your home. If everyone participates, the illumination provided by all the additional lights will make a difference.

If you are concerned of the costs associated with leaving the lights on all the time, you can switch to energy saving light bulbs. The energy saving light bulbs cost a little more than regular light bulbs, but over the life of a single bulb, according to online reports, you will save about $30 in energy costs. Also, the energy saving bulbs last 10 times longer than the traditional light bulbs.

*Only 2 break-ins were reported to the NWC, there could have been others that were not reported to the committee. Please report any criminal activity in the neighborhood to the Greenwood NWC by sending an email to greenwoodnwc@gmail.com.

Senate Bill 964

Senate Bill 964 has been introduced by Senator Linda T. "Toddy" Puller, who represents parts of Fairfax and Prince William Counties. As introduced, Senate Bill 964 will have a significant, impact on the aesthetics of community associations. If passed by the General Assembly, this amendment to the Property Owners' Association Act would prohibit associations from adopting rules to control the display of political signs on individual lots - unless the recorded governing documents give the Association greater authority. Even though the law might allow a Board to establish some rules governing size and other factors, there could be little or no control over the number of such signs and what is displayed upon them.

Why would the NWC be concerned over such a proposal? The appearance of your neighborhood will deter or attract criminals. Litter accumulation is a sign to criminals that the neighborhood doesn't pay much attention to itself and the safety of its residents. Crime and litter statistics both show a direct relationship between high crime and litter-strewn neighborhoods.

Ask Senator Puller to pull this legislation before it is considered. Make the effort NOW to stop this sign pollution and campaign litter before it is allowed to get started in your community.

Newspaper Theif

At the NW meeting an issue was brought up about someone stealing Washington Post newspapers. For the past 3+ years, Monday through Friday, a man has been targeting Greenwood residents and stealing their newspapers. The woman who delivers the papers has confronted the person and he ran off into the woods, but it did not deter him. Based on her description, he is a thin white man with very curly hair and is approximately 5'7" or 5'8". He is always on foot and usually wearing blue jeans and a light blue jacket when the weather is cool. He targets homes between 5:00am - 6:30am, Monday through Friday. He focuses on streets past the stops sign on Seatrend , primarily Dakine, Debra Lu Way, Simmer Circle & Levi Ct .

The police are aware of the situation, but we can do our part to help resolve the issue by using the 6 key elements in a proper Neighborhood Watch program.

• Know your neighbors
• Be observant
• Write it down
• Carry a cell
• Do not approach
• Call police

If you see anything, please call the police - the numbers are:

Non Emergency Police – 703-691-2131 (enter into your cell phone)
You can report online at http://www.gairfaxcounty.gov/ps/police/CRS/CRSDiscl.html

Or you can contact the Fairfax County Crime Prevention Officers, Ellie Eggars or Jim Nida, at 703-922 8263

Update on NWC

Thank you to all that showed up for the NW meeting last week. We hoped there would have been more residents at the meeting as one of the ways to best prevent crime in our neighborhood is for everyone to do their part. Officer Nida, a Fairfax County Crime Prevention Officer, spoke about crime in the area and how to best protect yourself from becoming a victim. This information can be found in fliers and handouts available for free at the Franconia Government Center on Franconia Road

If you would like to become a member of the Greenwood NWC or would like to report anything of interest, send an email to greenwoodnwc@gmail.com

Officer Nida stressed it is up to neighbors to do their part to stay safe.
· Know your neighbors – when they are in town, type of cars they drive.
· Be observant
· Write it down
· Carry a cell
· Do not approach
· Call police

When in doubt – call the police – they want all the calls they can get. When many calls with in with bits and pieces of information it can be like puzzle pieces building the scene.

Non Emergency Police – 703-691-2131 (enter into your cell phone)

You can report a crime online at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ps/police/CRS/CRSDiscl.html

Tip line for rewards: 703-691-8888 Crimesolvers@fairfaxcounty.gov

Fairfax County Crime Prevention Officers
Ellie Eggars
Jim Nida
703-922 8263

All are welcome to attend the Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) at the Government Center off Franconia Road. They meet the 3rd Wednesday of the month (sometimes this will change due to off site trips). The meetings begins at 7pm; down to business by 7:30. Snacks are provided.

Gone in 4 seconds

Here is an excellent post on youtube.com Well worth the 3 1/2 minutes it will take to watch to help prevent becoming a victim of identity theft.

Dangerous Dogs Website

In response to a request by the Board of Supervisors of Fairfax County and as a service to the public, the Animal Services Division has posted the list of dangerous dogs in Fairfax County to the county website. It can be found at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ps/ac/dangerous-dogs-2005.pdf.

A dangerous dog is defined, in part, “as any canine or canine crossbreed that has bitten, attacked, or inflicted injury on a person or companion animal, or killed a companion animal.” Only a judicial determination can label a dog as a “dangerous dog.” The county code which outlines the procedures and responsibilities regarding dangerous dogs is Section 41.1-2-7. Controlling dangerous and vicious dogs.

Police Department Programs

SEXUAL ASSAULT FREE AND EMPOWERED (SAFE)

In the United States a woman is assaulted every six minutes. Three out of four women will experience at least one violent crime in their lifetimes. Could you effectively defend yourself if attacked? SAFE is a woman’s self-defense program that teaches realistic self-defense tactics and techniques. The program begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance. It then progresses to the basics of hands-on defense training. To learn more about SAFE or to register for the course, please call (703) 246-7806

The above was in the Eye on Crime newsletter for Oct/Nov. If you are interested in being on the email list for the Eye on Crime Newsletter and/or the Weekly Crime Report, Please contact the Crime Prevention Office via email at fracpo@fairfaxcounty.gov or call (703) 922-8263.

Safety Alert - Money Stolen

The following incident was in the September 22-28 Weekly Crime Report:
Michael Robert Drive, 6300 Block: Money stolen from residence.

Neighborhood Watch Meeting

There will be a Neighborhood Watch Committee meeting on Thursday, September 15 at 7:00pm. Greenwood residents are welcome to attend. Please send an e-mail to greenwoodnwc@gmail.com if you are planning to attend.

Trick or Treat

Halloween is on Sunday, October 31st. Here are some Trick or Treating Tips to ensure a safe and fun night.
1. Costumes should be light in color and reflective (or use reflective tape).
2. Costumes should be comfortable for walking.
3. Costumes should be short to prevent trips, and other bumps in the night.
4. Carry a flashlight to see and be seen easily.
5. Use facial make-up instead of masks.
6. Walk with a parent or older sibling.
7. If a parent can't walk, Trick-or-Treat in a group.
8. Cross at corners. Never cross between parked vehicles or at mid-block.
9. If there are no sidewalks, always walk facing traffic and on or close to the shoulder of the road.
10. Stay close to home and only on streets and at homes you are familiar with.
11. Never enter a stranger's house or car.
12. Before eating those yummy treats, have a parent check them in a well-lighted place.
13. Instead of going door-to-door, consider having a Halloween costume party with treats, games, music, scary stories and much more.

Safety Alert - Car vandalism

On Wednesday, June 29, a rear spoiler was stolen off the back of a car parked in a driveway on Levi Court between midnight and 7am.

Many Greenwood residents have had to deal with the volation of their car emblems stolen over the past years. While frustrating, it has mostly been a nuisance with minimal costs to the owners. The theft of the rear spoiler is becoming more and more common in Fairfax County as well as other counties and can cost thousands of dollars to repair depending on the extent of damage.

When filling out the police report, the officer made a point to mention proper lighting is the best way to prevent these crimes. The more nighbhors who leave their lights on overnight, the better the lighting, the safer the neighborhood is for everyone.

Safety Alert - Sexual Offense-Exposure

A man exposed himself to a 10-year-old girl in the Franconia area. On Sunday, July 17 around 8 p.m., in the 6000 block of Topsails Lane a girl was in her home when she heard a noise at the back door. She looked out the door and saw a man exposing himself. The girl ran to tell her parents and the police were summoned. The suspect was described as a white man, 19-25 years old, blonde hair, wearing a dark t-shirt, jeans, and a black baseball cap. He was approximately 5-feet 8-inches tall and had a thin build.

The above incident was in the July 14-20 Weekly Crime Report. Within the same e-mail was a report of a compact disc player and a two way radio stolen from vehicle on Debra Lu Way.

If you are interested in being on the mailing list for the Eye on Crime Newsletter or on the email list for the Weekly Crime Report, Please contact the Crime Prevention Office via email at fracpo@fairfaxcounty.gov or call (703) 922-8263.