Tuesday, November 27, 2007
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.
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.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
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.
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
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.
• 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.
Monday, August 06, 2007
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.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
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
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.
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.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Buy a shredder!
Think you are safe tearing up your pre approved credit card applications received in the mail?
Would any credit card company be irresponsible enough to approve this torn application?
Click here to read how easy it is for your identity to be stolen.
Would any credit card company be irresponsible enough to approve this torn application?
Click here to read how easy it is for your identity to be stolen.
Metro Safety
Metro Transit Police have arrested four area men for allegedly breaking into more than 50 vehicles in a Fairfax County Metro station parking garage.
Police say the four broke into 52 vehicles in June and stole more than 100 items, including global positioning systems, car televisions and even a sports utility vehicle. All of the thefts occurred at the 5,069 space parking garage at the Franconia-Springfield station in Springfield, Va.
According to detectives, the men arrived together in a vehicle and visited each floor of the garage, breaking into cars.
“Two officers from the auto theft detail spotted three of the suspects breaking into some vehicles in late June and immediately arrested two of the men. Video of the third suspect at the station and interviews assisted us in tracking down the other suspects,” said Capt. David Webb, commander of the criminal investigation division.
Police arrested Maurice Conyers, 22, of Southeast Washington and Darryl Walker, 20, of Hagerstown, Md., on June 25. Randy Smith, 19, of Northeast Washington, and Kevin Wilson, 22, of Northeast Washington, were arrested last Friday. The men face several charges, including grand larceny in Fairfax County.
Transit Police remind motorists to not leave valuables in their vehicles and use anti-theft devices, such as alarms, steering wheel locks and window etching.
For more information on how to prevent auto theft click here
According to Fairfax County Police - it is important to report any items stolen no matter how small. Many times an officer will be in a situation where they believe a suspect is in possession of stolen items, but if a report has not been filed on the items in question, no arrests can be made.
Police say the four broke into 52 vehicles in June and stole more than 100 items, including global positioning systems, car televisions and even a sports utility vehicle. All of the thefts occurred at the 5,069 space parking garage at the Franconia-Springfield station in Springfield, Va.
According to detectives, the men arrived together in a vehicle and visited each floor of the garage, breaking into cars.
“Two officers from the auto theft detail spotted three of the suspects breaking into some vehicles in late June and immediately arrested two of the men. Video of the third suspect at the station and interviews assisted us in tracking down the other suspects,” said Capt. David Webb, commander of the criminal investigation division.
Police arrested Maurice Conyers, 22, of Southeast Washington and Darryl Walker, 20, of Hagerstown, Md., on June 25. Randy Smith, 19, of Northeast Washington, and Kevin Wilson, 22, of Northeast Washington, were arrested last Friday. The men face several charges, including grand larceny in Fairfax County.
Transit Police remind motorists to not leave valuables in their vehicles and use anti-theft devices, such as alarms, steering wheel locks and window etching.
For more information on how to prevent auto theft click here
According to Fairfax County Police - it is important to report any items stolen no matter how small. Many times an officer will be in a situation where they believe a suspect is in possession of stolen items, but if a report has not been filed on the items in question, no arrests can be made.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Online Safety
Internet safety is a concern for parents and kids. There are many informative sites about this topic online. One of the best sites out there is http://wiredsafety.org/
WiredSafety provides help, information and education to Internet and mobile device users of all ages. They help victims of cyberabuse ranging from online fraud, cyberstalking and child safety, to hacking and malicious code attacks. They also help parents with issues, such as MySpace and cyberbullying.
The following information on Online Safety was from their sister site Teenangels. In addition to Teenangels they also operate WiredKids, CyberLawEnforcement, StopCyberbullying, and Internet Super Heroes, as well as WiredSafety.org
Online Safety Tips For Kids From Kids...
(in their own [uncensored] words)
1. Always ask your parents before you use the Internet.
2. Never give out your information or your name, address, phone number, school, or parent's name.
3. Don't lie about your age so you can go to a site on the Internet.
4. Don't buy anything without your parent's permission or if they are not there.
5. Never use bad language or you could get kicked off the Inter-net & never be able to go on again.
6. Don't ever open or answer any e-mail from people you don't know.
7. Never send a picture on the Internet to anyone you don't know.
8. Never ask to meet a person in real life you met on the Internet.
9. If somebody says he is a manager of 'N Sync & you get free tickets & signed stuff & asked you if you wanted it say "no" because it could be a lie or maybe he could be a scum bag.
10. If someone says there is a sale at the GAP & they need your address & phone number always say no.
11. Be careful of bad people on the Internet or you definitely will get hurt.
12. If someone is disobeying the rules, ignore them!
13. Never believe anyone if they tell you how old they are. Even if you think you can ask them questions only a kid would know the answers to, it doesn't prove they're really a kid.
14. Tell your parents if anything goes wrong.
Maggie's Advice
Maggie also wanted parents to know how she feels about them snooping into kids' e-mail & invading their privacy.
1. If you have your child's password, don't snoop around in their e-mail.
2. If you want to check their e-mail go through it with them.
She also wrote a letter on behalf of all kids to their parents that she wanted to share.
Dear Mom & Dad: I know all of the rules for safety online. I know that there are people out there who might want to hurt me. But don't worry, they won't catch me off-guard. Safety is important but I don't feel comfortable with you reading my mail unless you tell me first. I also want you to know that I know a lot of the rules for online safety. Here are some of the ones I would tell a friend that has never been online before: Don't talk to strangers. Don't download anything without your parents permission, it might have a virus. Hopefully you can trust me now.
Love, Your Son/Daughter
Click here to play Playing It Safe, an online safety game for sleuths and problem-solvers.
WiredSafety provides help, information and education to Internet and mobile device users of all ages. They help victims of cyberabuse ranging from online fraud, cyberstalking and child safety, to hacking and malicious code attacks. They also help parents with issues, such as MySpace and cyberbullying.
The following information on Online Safety was from their sister site Teenangels. In addition to Teenangels they also operate WiredKids, CyberLawEnforcement, StopCyberbullying, and Internet Super Heroes, as well as WiredSafety.org
Online Safety Tips For Kids From Kids...
(in their own [uncensored] words)
1. Always ask your parents before you use the Internet.
2. Never give out your information or your name, address, phone number, school, or parent's name.
3. Don't lie about your age so you can go to a site on the Internet.
4. Don't buy anything without your parent's permission or if they are not there.
5. Never use bad language or you could get kicked off the Inter-net & never be able to go on again.
6. Don't ever open or answer any e-mail from people you don't know.
7. Never send a picture on the Internet to anyone you don't know.
8. Never ask to meet a person in real life you met on the Internet.
9. If somebody says he is a manager of 'N Sync & you get free tickets & signed stuff & asked you if you wanted it say "no" because it could be a lie or maybe he could be a scum bag.
10. If someone says there is a sale at the GAP & they need your address & phone number always say no.
11. Be careful of bad people on the Internet or you definitely will get hurt.
12. If someone is disobeying the rules, ignore them!
13. Never believe anyone if they tell you how old they are. Even if you think you can ask them questions only a kid would know the answers to, it doesn't prove they're really a kid.
14. Tell your parents if anything goes wrong.
Maggie's Advice
Maggie also wanted parents to know how she feels about them snooping into kids' e-mail & invading their privacy.
1. If you have your child's password, don't snoop around in their e-mail.
2. If you want to check their e-mail go through it with them.
She also wrote a letter on behalf of all kids to their parents that she wanted to share.
Dear Mom & Dad: I know all of the rules for safety online. I know that there are people out there who might want to hurt me. But don't worry, they won't catch me off-guard. Safety is important but I don't feel comfortable with you reading my mail unless you tell me first. I also want you to know that I know a lot of the rules for online safety. Here are some of the ones I would tell a friend that has never been online before: Don't talk to strangers. Don't download anything without your parents permission, it might have a virus. Hopefully you can trust me now.
Love, Your Son/Daughter
Click here to play Playing It Safe, an online safety game for sleuths and problem-solvers.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Neighborhood Watch Leads to an Arrest
A Neighborhood Watch volunteer called the police about a suspicious person in the Windermere neighborhood in Great Falls. On Wednesday, July 11 at about 6:30 p.m., officers responded to the area. Police identified the 20-year-old man and learned that he was soliciting without a license. The suspect collected several donations for a bogus baseball team.
Greenwood has a no solicitors policy yet we see solicitors all the time. As seen in the arrest in Great Falls - sometimes these solicitors can be criminals out for your hard earned money.
If someone knocks at your door it is always a good idea to answer with the door closed (this way, if it is a criminal looking for an empty home they know someone is home) but you do not have to open the door for a solicitor.
All solicitors must carry a license in Fairfax County. Please ask to see their license. If they do not have one, call non emergency police at 703-691-2131.
Greenwood has a no solicitors policy yet we see solicitors all the time. As seen in the arrest in Great Falls - sometimes these solicitors can be criminals out for your hard earned money.
If someone knocks at your door it is always a good idea to answer with the door closed (this way, if it is a criminal looking for an empty home they know someone is home) but you do not have to open the door for a solicitor.
All solicitors must carry a license in Fairfax County. Please ask to see their license. If they do not have one, call non emergency police at 703-691-2131.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Kids Safety Presentation
Congratulations to the kids and parents of Greenwood! According to Officer Nida, we had the largest turn out for a Kids Safety Presentation so far!
Unfortunately, the partition that separates the meeting room into two was broken, and with another HOA's Board meeting taking place at the same time, Officer Nida's portion of the evening will be rescheduled for Tuesday, July 31 @ 7pm.
Nonetheless, we were able to show to the families a presentation on safety within Greenwood. Special thanks to fellow neighbor Ariel BenYishay who realized the importance of communication between the adults and children of Greenwood. Ariel developed a presentation on how we can work together so children can have the freedom and fun of enjoying the neighborhood safely, while being respectful of property and noise levels.
Part of the beauty of Greenwood is how many happy children there are living and playing within our streets. Sometimes it feels to neighbors there may be more kids than there are adults able to supervise, and sometimes it feels to the kids that there's only streets and no place to play and enjoy the summer. Which is why developing relationships among families and neighbors is key for our kids' safety and our common well-being.
The kids who came out on Tuesday night certainly had some fun -- their friendly faces and willingness to participate greatly added to the event. Here is a photo of some of the kids last night after enjoying all the yummy pizza.
While it is disappointing Officer Nida's presentation had to be rescheduled, it opens up the possibility for even more children to attend on the 31st.
We look forward to seeing you all on the 31st!
Unfortunately, the partition that separates the meeting room into two was broken, and with another HOA's Board meeting taking place at the same time, Officer Nida's portion of the evening will be rescheduled for Tuesday, July 31 @ 7pm.
Nonetheless, we were able to show to the families a presentation on safety within Greenwood. Special thanks to fellow neighbor Ariel BenYishay who realized the importance of communication between the adults and children of Greenwood. Ariel developed a presentation on how we can work together so children can have the freedom and fun of enjoying the neighborhood safely, while being respectful of property and noise levels.
Part of the beauty of Greenwood is how many happy children there are living and playing within our streets. Sometimes it feels to neighbors there may be more kids than there are adults able to supervise, and sometimes it feels to the kids that there's only streets and no place to play and enjoy the summer. Which is why developing relationships among families and neighbors is key for our kids' safety and our common well-being.
The kids who came out on Tuesday night certainly had some fun -- their friendly faces and willingness to participate greatly added to the event. Here is a photo of some of the kids last night after enjoying all the yummy pizza.
While it is disappointing Officer Nida's presentation had to be rescheduled, it opens up the possibility for even more children to attend on the 31st.
We look forward to seeing you all on the 31st!
Aggressive Driving on Seatrend
On Seatrend Way at 8:30pm on Tuesday evening, a silver Acura TL illegally passed a moving car on the Right hand side narrowly missing parked cars then passed another moving car on the Left had side of that car. This driver then sped down the rest of Seatrend.
This same car has been seen speeding on Seatrend on previous occasions. It is unknown if the driver of the car is a resident of Greenwood or just a frequent visitor.
As mentioned in the post on children safety in the neighborhood, there is not a lot of free space in Greenwood and you will see many kids playing along the sides of Seatrend - especially during summer months with the warmer weather and longer days.
All residents need to be respectful of the speed limit and need to ask your guests and visitors to drive safely as well. To help enforce the safety of your neighborhood, if you see anyone speeding or driving aggressively, please report these drivers to the Police Department through an online form for reporting aggressive drivers https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/traf_sfty_report.htm
For more information on Fairfax County Traffic Safety Programs, please click here.
This same car has been seen speeding on Seatrend on previous occasions. It is unknown if the driver of the car is a resident of Greenwood or just a frequent visitor.
As mentioned in the post on children safety in the neighborhood, there is not a lot of free space in Greenwood and you will see many kids playing along the sides of Seatrend - especially during summer months with the warmer weather and longer days.
All residents need to be respectful of the speed limit and need to ask your guests and visitors to drive safely as well. To help enforce the safety of your neighborhood, if you see anyone speeding or driving aggressively, please report these drivers to the Police Department through an online form for reporting aggressive drivers https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/traf_sfty_report.htm
For more information on Fairfax County Traffic Safety Programs, please click here.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC)
Franconia CAC (Citizens’ Advisory Committee) meetings are held the 3rd Wednesday of each month and are usually held at the Franconia District Police Station.
The next meeting is Wednesday, July 21st, at 5 p.m, at King Street Blues (5810 Kingstowne Center, 703-313-0400). It is a fundraiser with proceeds benefiting our Officers at the Franconia Station.
September 19th is back at the Franconia District Police Station at 7:30 p.m., Social time starts at 7:00 p.m.in the community room of the Franconia Government Center.
The CAC works; these meetings are very informative and help to keep residents of the Franconia area aware of what police activities are going on in their community.
Everyone is welcome.
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/lee/CalendarofEvents/pol_citadviscomm.htm
The next meeting is Wednesday, July 21st, at 5 p.m, at King Street Blues (5810 Kingstowne Center, 703-313-0400). It is a fundraiser with proceeds benefiting our Officers at the Franconia Station.
September 19th is back at the Franconia District Police Station at 7:30 p.m., Social time starts at 7:00 p.m.in the community room of the Franconia Government Center.
The CAC works; these meetings are very informative and help to keep residents of the Franconia area aware of what police activities are going on in their community.
Everyone is welcome.
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/lee/CalendarofEvents/pol_citadviscomm.htm
Monday, July 09, 2007
How To Keep Your BBQ Flame Free
ABC News interviewed Mary Kay Welch who lost her home in the fire on Dakine. The fire started due to an unattended grill. All five connected townhouses were damaged. Three of the homes burned down; the last two had severe water and smoke damage. Here is the link to the story ABC ran last week on how to prevent grill fires.
Click here to read the article.
Mary Kay attended the Board meeting last Thursday to discuss the progress of the rebuild. We were sorry to hear it is not going well due to a number of circumstances. One of the issues was insurance policies with under appreciated values of the home. Mary Kay urges all members of Greenwood to review their policies to prevent the hassles and hardships that the families of Dakine are experiencing.
On a happier note, congratulations to Chris and Mary Kay who were married on July 7 (7/7/07)!
Click here to read the article.
Mary Kay attended the Board meeting last Thursday to discuss the progress of the rebuild. We were sorry to hear it is not going well due to a number of circumstances. One of the issues was insurance policies with under appreciated values of the home. Mary Kay urges all members of Greenwood to review their policies to prevent the hassles and hardships that the families of Dakine are experiencing.
On a happier note, congratulations to Chris and Mary Kay who were married on July 7 (7/7/07)!
Thursday, July 05, 2007
The Cost of Safety
Sometimes its difficult to put a price tag on safety. But what if you could make your family and neighborhood safer for about 3-5 cents a day?
Seems like a silly question with an obvious answer doesn't it. Yet every night when you look around the neighborhood more than half of the homes do not have their exterior lights on.
(1) Leaving your exterior lights on cost pennies per day - and - (2) even less if you purchase purchase energy saving fluorescent light bulbs (CFL).
All crime is 90% opportunity. One of the easiest ways to deter crime is to have a well lit environment. Criminals hide in the comfort of darkness. Leaving your exterior lights on will go a long way to prevent an opportunity for a crime to take place.
Look for yourself at the difference it makes when a number of houses all on one street have their lights on compared to a street with very little lighting.
Together we can Leave the Lights On for Safety.
(1) http://www.ceqna.com/other/445-other.html
(2) http://www.deq.state.mi.us/documents/deq-ess-p2-brightidea-whydoit.doc
Seems like a silly question with an obvious answer doesn't it. Yet every night when you look around the neighborhood more than half of the homes do not have their exterior lights on.
(1) Leaving your exterior lights on cost pennies per day - and - (2) even less if you purchase purchase energy saving fluorescent light bulbs (CFL).
All crime is 90% opportunity. One of the easiest ways to deter crime is to have a well lit environment. Criminals hide in the comfort of darkness. Leaving your exterior lights on will go a long way to prevent an opportunity for a crime to take place.
Look for yourself at the difference it makes when a number of houses all on one street have their lights on compared to a street with very little lighting.
Together we can Leave the Lights On for Safety.
(1) http://www.ceqna.com/other/445-other.html
(2) http://www.deq.state.mi.us/documents/deq-ess-p2-brightidea-whydoit.doc
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
