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.

Masked Man Strikes Again

Police believe that a 28-year-old Falls Church-area woman became the latest victim of the masked sexual predator. This incident took place on Wednesday, December 19 shortly after 6 p.m. near the intersection of Little River Turnpike and Backlick Road. The victim was walking along Little River Turnpike toward her bus stop on Columbia Pike when a man approached her from behind, pulled her to the ground and attempted to restrain her. The victim fought back and thwarted the attack. She was not seriously injured. The suspect fled west on Little River Turnpike.

The suspect was described as white, in his 30s, approximately 5 feet one inch tall, weighing about 140 pounds. He was wearing dark clothing and a black ski mask.

Detectives are looking into the possibility that this case may be related to two previous incidents; the first on November 14 and the second on December 17.

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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Because this victim fought back, her injuries were relatively minor. Would you be able to fight back if you were in the same situation? Fairfax County offers a FREE Self Defense course to help all women defend themselves from an attach. PLEASE sign up for the SAFE (Sexual Assault Free & Empowered) Course taught every month. For more information call Laureen at 703-246-7806 or go to http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/safe_selfdefense.htm
Google keywords Fairfax County SAFE.

Holiday Safety: Don’t Be a Victim

Everyone is looking for extra money or gifts during this final week of holiday shopping and that includes criminals. They are out in force trying to separate you from your money and property.

In recent months there has been an increase in the number of GPS, iPOD and other electronic devices being stolen from vehicles. Be extra vigilant during the holiday season and keep the following tips in mind.

PERSONAL SAFETY WHEN SHOPPING
§ Shop during daylight hours whenever possible.

§ Always be aware of your surroundings.

§ Know exactly where you park your car.

§ If shopping at night, park in well-lit areas.

§ Avoid shopping alone.

§ Carry keys, cash and credit cards separate from each other.

§ Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. If possible, avoid carrying a purse.
Use a fanny pack or deep pockets in clothing to carry what you need. Limit the number of credit cards you carry.

§ If you must carry a purse, keep it close to your body and always zipped or snapped shut.

§ Be aware of strangers “accidentally” bumping into you. Pick-pockets use this as a diversion.

§ Avoid carrying large packages that block your vision and make you a target for thieves.

§ Avoid shopping until you're exhausted. You are more alert when you are less tired.

§ When hurried or in a crowded shop, make sure you get all forms of identification and credit cards returned to you before you leave.

§ Leave the mall/store well before closing time. This way, there is a greater assurance you will walk out with other people. There is safety in numbers.

§ Use an escort or mall security if you have too many packages or if you are leaving the store after closing.

§ Be alert while walking to your car. Check under and around your car as you approach it. After checking your car, lock it immediately upon entering it.

§ If you see a van parked next to your car, you can choose to enter your car through the passenger side.

§ Avoid using automatic teller machines at night and remember to keep others from seeing when you type in your PIN.

§ Remove GPS, iPods and any other electronic devices from your dashboards and store them out of sight.

§ Remove any evidence (i.e. suction cup marks) from your windshield.

HOME SAFETY
§ Do not leave boxes identifying your gifts (such as computers, televisions, etc.) at the curb as this advertises the contents of your home to potential thieves.

§ Ensure doors and windows are locked at all times, even when you are home.

§ Use timers on lights to give the appearance you are home when you are not.

§ If you order gifts to be delivered to your home, ensure someone is there to accept the package. Have a trusted neighbor keep a lookout for the packages.

§ If you go out of town for the holidays, make sure you ask a trusted neighbor, friend or family member to check the house at least once a day and pick up mail and newspapers. Provide your contact number in case of emergency.

§ Keep garage doors closed and be sure the door from the garage into the home is secured.

§ Make sure your home address is not showing on your luggage.

Car Stolen on Racetec

There continues to be a problem with Hondas and Acura’s being stolen and/or recovered from the Franconia District. In November a Honda Civic was stolen in Greenwood from Racetec. If you have any information regarding the stolen car, please contact the Crime Prevention Office.

Regardless of what kind of vehicle you own, please make sure you keep your vehicle locked at all times. Never leave your vehicle unattended and running. Purchasing an inexpensive security feature such as "the club" can be an added deterrent.

If you would like to have your vehicle identification number (VIN) etched into the windows of your vehicle to reduce the risk of vehicle theft, please e-mail the Crime Prevention Office at fracpo@fairfaxcounty.gov or call at (703) 922-8263 to schedule an appointment.

Update on home invasion

Last Friday three men broke into a home on Japonica Street. They had a hand gun and a knife. They also wore black ski masks. They knocked on the door and then burst their way in the house. Two teenage girls were tied up as the home was robbed of valuables. The perpetrators were in the home from 15 to 30 minutes. The girls were able to free themselves and call 911 on a cell phone. The lines to the house phone had been cut. Officer Eddy J Azcarate is the reporting officer.

Home Invasion

This one hits Very close to home - one street over from Seatrend, connecting to Greenwood through the playground.

Yet there is one thing that EVERYONE can to which will prevent most crimes including this one...

Lock your doors. Keep them locked to strangers coming to your door. You can speak to people through a locked door - you do not have to open the door to see what the person wants.

If you have ANY doubts - call the police. They would rather come to a call that results in nothing, than a call that results in robbery or worse.

SPRINGFIELD, Va. -- Police are searching for three culprits in connection with a home invasion that occurred Friday in Springfield.

Police said two teenage girls were at home in the 6500 block of Japonica Street at about noon Friday when three suspects knocked on the door. When the door was opened, the armed suspects forced their way into the home, bound the two victims and searching the home for valuables, police said.
The suspects left with cash, jewelry and a safe. There were no injuries, police said.

The first robber is described as an Asian man in his late 20s, about 5 feet 9 inches tall and clean-shaven with black hair and brown eyes. He was wearing a blue, puffy jacket, fitted blue jeans, blue and white sneakers, black cotton gloves and a black ski mask. He was armed with a handgun, police said.

The second suspect, armed with a knife, is described as an Asian man in his late 20s. He was wearing a tan, puffy jacket, blue jeans, black cotton gloves and a black ski mask.

The third suspect is described as possibly an Asian man with a black ski mask.

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

18-Year-Old Sexually Assaulted In Fairfax Co.

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. -- At least one, possibly two, sexual predators were on the loose in Fairfax County on Wednesday night, police said. Wednesday morning, a man wearing a ski mask attacked a woman. On Wednesday night, police said the same man may have carried out several more attacks across Northern Virginia. The second sexual assault was in the Springfield area and was similar to a recent attack in Alexandria.

An 18-year-old woman said she was assaulted while walking on Industrial Road at about 5:45 a.m. The Springfield-area victim was approached from behind by a man. She said he forced her off the road and into a remote area, where he sexually assaulted her. She described the man as between 5 feet 7 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall with an average build. She said he was wearing a black ski mask, a black, nylon, waist-length jacket and blue jeans. The case is under investigation. Area police offered safety tips to keep in mind, especially during the predawn hours:

Be aware of your surroundings
Avoid walking alone
Travel routes that are heavily used and well lit

Anyone with information should call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS or Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.

Wild Animals

Please pass the word along to neighbors who have outdoor pets.

Be aware a neighbor in a nearby community had three coyotes on their property at 8:30 PM, Tuesday, 30 Oct. One coyote stood 18" at the shoulder; the other two were smaller, likely females or adolescents standing 12" at the shoulder. They were digging up the aeration holes that were drilled in the yard; probably thought the holes would lead to rodents. All three appeared healthy, i.e., no unusual behavior indicative of rabies. All three were frightened by the noise of the neighbor and ran into the forest. According to articles Fairfax authorities, outdoor pets are at risk, but people are not.

Wild animals will take advantage of whatever is available as a source of food, including garbage, pet food, and domestic animals or pets.

So far the Neighborhood watch committee has not been alerted to any coyotes in Greenwood. By following these simple steps and preventing access to human food and garbage, you can help prevent coyotes, foxes or other unwanted animals from roaming our neighborhood.

• Put trash out in the morning rather than leave out overnight when the animals are more active.
• Put garbage in trashcans with lids that close tightly and cannot be easily tipped over. Trash bags can be easily torn by animals and the wind can then carry trash throughout the neighborhood.
• Remove sources of water, especially in dry climates.
• Bring pets in at night, and do not leave pet food outside.
• Put away bird feeders at night to avoid attracting rodents and other coyote prey.
• Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
• Trim ground-level shrubbery to reduce hiding places
• Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.
• If followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If this fails, throw rocks in the animal’s direction but not at the animal.

You can reach Animal Control in Fairfax County via (703) 691-2131.

Trick Or Treat

Please see the attached flyer from our neighborhood Police Department. (click on the image to enlarge for easier reading)

UPDATE- If you are having difficulty enlarging the flyers - this link will take you to the flyer on line. http://www.trafficsafety.org/events/hallow07.pdf

HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE HALLOWEEN!!





The Driving tips posted here for ease.

Halloween driving “tricks” to keep everyone safe
To help everyone bring home treats — not tragedies — follow these tips for a safe Halloween:

• Don't use a cell phone while driving through neighborhoods. A single distraction could lead
to a tragedy.
• Stay well below the posted speed limit.
• Pay attention to what's happening on sidewalks and roadways. Watch for children darting
across streets, especially between parked cars.
• Be extra alert when pulling in and out of driveways.
• Do not assume children can see you or are paying attention. You need to take that
responsibility.
• Drivers should also check that all lights on their car work.
• Do not pass other vehicles that have stopped in the roadway. They could be dropping off
children.
• If you're driving a group of children, but staying in the running vehicle at the curb, be sure to
put on your hazard lights to alert other motorists.
• And if you're driving to a Halloween party, put that mask on after you park the car.
Parents can help motorists, too:
• Make sure drivers can see the children. Give them flashlights and glow sticks. Dress kids in
bright, reflective clothing or use reflective tape on their costumes.
• Use makeup, rather than masks, so children have a clear, unobstructed view of their
surroundings.
• Be sure children know how to cross a street -- look left, right and left again before crossing.
• Instruct children to stay on sidewalks and to cross only at corners or crosswalks.
• Accompany your children as they trick or treat.

Back To School

As the children return to school their safety is a priority for our neighborhood.
Please encourage your children walking to school, to walk with a buddy, and remind them not to take shortcuts. Recently there was an attempted abduction on Franconia Road and when children take short cuts through woods they are at greater risk.

The NWC recently offered a Safety course for the children of Greenwood and it was so popular that we will be offering it again in January. Please check back for dates.

What Is Suspicious?

Below is from a handout from the Fairfax County Police Department on Neighborhood Safety. The police will tell you again and again – when in doubt – Call the Police regarding anything believed to be suspicious.

Call the Police
• Your call is always important
• Allows for follow up and case closure
• We want you to call

What is Suspicious?
Vehicle You Don’t Recognize
• Any vehicle you see driving repeatedly on the same day or different days
• A vehicle driving slowly through the neighborhood
• A vehicle dropping off or picking up person(s)
• An unoccupied vehicle parked on the street or in a driveway
• A vehicle parked – a person walks away from it down the street, out of sight
Person You Don’t Know
• Any person you see walking on the street
• A person knocking on the door
• Any person walking around your home or your neighbor’s home
• A person being dropped off or picked up
• A person sitting in a parked car
• A person who walks away from a parked vehicle, down the street, out of sight
Noises
• Gunshots
• Screams
• Glass breaking
• Knocks at the door – nobody there
• Anything around your house or your neighbor’s house
• Dogs barking for no apparent reason
• Car motor – racing, at idle, etc.
• Voices – unusual conversations among people you can’t see
Remember!
• Best Witness Rule
– Be observant
– Write it down
– Carry your cell phone
– Do not approach anyone suspicious
– Call the police

You are not the Police
You are our best help!
Franconia District Crime Prevention Office
MPO Jim Nida
703-922-8263
James.nida@fairfaxcounty.gov

What Can You Do?

90% of all crime is opportunity – the best way to prevent the opportunity of a crime to happen to your home is to be aware.

• KEEP YOUR LIGHTS ON OVERNIGHT – a well lit area will deter a criminal. As you know the only street lights in Greenwood are on Seatrend and Dunn Ct. The rest of the streets in the neighborhood can get pretty dark. It costs less than 3 cents a night to leave on one light bulb.

• MAINTAIN YOUR HOME – keep up with home maintenance and keep your yard and neighborhood free of litter. A dirty and unkempt neighborhood gives criminals the impression that neighbors don’t care or pay attention.

• LOOK OUT FOR YOUR NEIGHBORS – keep an eye out for each other. If your neighbor is out of town, picking up their mail or parking in their driveway will give the impression that they are home.

Sketch of Attacker

The Crime Prevention Unit just released this sketch of the man who assaulted a teenage girl on Franconia Road. The attack was in the Rose Hill area of Franconia Rd, but as you see, the suspect is mobile on a bicycle. If you know of anyone coming close to the description, please call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131, or send an email to Officer Nida at James.Nida@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Online Predators

Popular Internet social network MySpace said on Tuesday it detected and deleted 29,000 convicted sex offenders on its service, more than four times the figure it had initially reported.

The company, owned by media conglomerate News Corp, said in May it had deleted about 7,000 user profiles that belonged to convicted offenders. MySpace attracts about 60 million unique visitors monthly in the United States.

The new information was first revealed by U.S. state authorities after MySpace turned over information on convicted sex offenders it had removed from the service.

"The exploding epidemic of sex offender profiles on MySpace -- 29,000 and counting -- screams for action," Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said in a statement.

Blumenthal, who led a coalition of state authorities to lobby MySpace for more stringent safeguards for minors, and other state AGs have demanded the service begin verifying a user's age and require parental permission for minors.

The minimum age to register on MySpace is 14.

"We're pleased that we've successfully identified and removed registered sex offenders from our site and hope that other social networking sites follow our lead," MySpace Chief Security Officer Hemanshu Nigam said in a statement.

The service has come under attack over the past year after some of its young members fell prey to adult predators posing as minors. The families of several teenage girls sexually assaulted by MySpace members sued the service in January for failing to safeguard its young members.
Late last year, it struck a partnership with background verification company Sentinel Tech Holdings Corp. to co-develop the first U.S. national database of convicted sex offenders to make it easier to track offenders on the Internet.

Convicted sex offenders are required by law to register their contact information with local authorities. But the information has only been available on regional databases, making nationwide searches difficult.

As of May, there were about 600,000 registered sex offenders in the United States.

For parents: Learn how to better protect your childrenFor parents:

For kids: Don't believe the type

Fairfax County police are on the lookout for a man who assaulted a teenage girl in Franconia.

Investigators say the 13-year-old girl from Alexandria was walking home Monday evening on the 5,900 block of Franconia Road (near the intersection of Franconia and Van Dorn) when a man on a bicycle went to attack her.

Police say the suspect got off his bike and grabbed the teen from behind in a bear hug. Officers say the girl elbowed the suspect and broke free. She then kicked the suspect and ran away unharmed.

The suspect was described only as about 5'9" tall with short brown hair and a lot of freckles. He was wearing a white baseball cap, blue jeans and possibly a white T-shirt.

Police are asking anyone with information to call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS(8477) or 703-691-2131.

Be sure to join us on Tuesday, July 31st @ 7pm at the Franconia Government Center for a Child Safety Presentation so Greenwood children can learn techniques to defend themselves should a stranger approach. Bring a friend and come hungry as we will be serving pizza for all. A parent or guardian must accompany children under 16 years of age.

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