Thursday, April 19, 2007

Saturday, April 21st

Don't forget the Annual Open Space Cleanup this weekend.

Beginning at 8:30am at the pool parking lot.

Come out, meet your neighbors, and help keep Greenwood clean.

Free donuts and coffee will be available and in addition participants will receive a lovely small spring plant for their yard.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Speeding and Illegal driving on Seatrend

There has been feedback to the NWC that there is an increase of people speeding on Seatrend. In addition, one neighbor sent an email to alert us that a woman in a silver car with Michigan plates was not only speeding but illegally passed on Seatrend.

Especially during the summer months there are lots of children playing outside as well as an increase in the number of animals around the area. Please keep in mind that the speed limit is 25 miles per hour and drive accordingly. Please alert visitors to be courteous as well.

According to Officer Nida it is generally considered to be reckless driving to pass in a residential neighborhood and to call the non-emergency number 703-691-2131 if you see this kind of activity. The patrol police respond very quickly to such calls.

Another option is to contact the Fairfax County Police’s “Operation Road Shark” office to report offenders. Contact: Officer Robert Barton Fairfax County Police Department 3911 Woodburn Annandale, VA 22003 Phone: (703)280-0561.

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Overall Crime Drops in 2006

Fairfax County maintained an overall decrease in index crime (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft) in 2006 compared to 2005. Only two categories of crime, robbery and burglary, increased in that one-year period, which is consistent with crime trends throughout the country.


* 2005 - 20 offenses, 22 victims
* 2006 - 18 offenses, 19 victims

The increase in commercial and street-level robberies has continued into 2007. These offenses are particularly important because of the potential for violence against victims. Colonel Dave Rohrer, Chief of the Fairfax County Police Department, says robberies are a top priority for patrol officers and detectives. “My officers and detectives are doing an outstanding job in responding to and investigating these cases and a significant number of arrests have been made. As I’ve stated before, our robbery increase unfortunately mirrors regional and national trends, with many localities experiencing significantly higher increases and significant increases in gun violence.”

Very preliminary numbers for burglary for 2007 show a decrease compared to the same periods YTD in 2006. There have been a significant number of arrests in burglary cases in recent months; many involving single suspects charged with multiple burglaries.

PIO release
Crime Prevention Office
Fairfax County Police Department
703-246-2253

Thursday, April 05, 2007

After reading the Greenwood newsletter a neighbor contacted the NWC via email with very detailed information regarding a man roaming around the neighborhood. The neighbor’s description matched that of the man stealing newspapers and wanted to bring this additional information to our attention.

The email (attached below) was very important to receive as it was the first time it was brought to attention that the man, who most likely is the same man stealing the newspapers, may have mental problems. This presents a higher risk to the neighbors and it is important everyone be aware that he is around. The information was sent on to the police and I feel, thanks to Amy’s detailed description, will be elevated from just an issue with someone stealing papers to a higher priority for the police.

This also give us the opportunity to reiterate when in doubt, please call the non-emergency police number – 703-691-2131. No call is too small or petty and, as can be seen with the situation, can raise awareness from a nuisance to a disturbance.

The NWC is very thankful to Amy for sending the email and it goes to show you as neighbors have a very important roll in helping keep Greenwood safe. Hopefully we will be hearing from more Greenwood residents as word about the website grows.

Subject: Fwd: Strange Person on Levi Court
To whom it may concern:

My husband and I moved into the Greenwood subdivision back in October 2006. Shortly thereafter I noticed a strange man walking in the woods behind our home and the other homes on Levi Court and the part of Debra Lu that backs to the train tracks.

In December 2006 a white man about 50-60 years of age, with gray hair, in kaki pants and a thin blue jacket approached my dog and I on the path leading to the metro. He came out of the tall grass to the left of the bridge over the creek just as we were heading down the path toward the metro. It was about 3:30pm. He appeared disoriented and began to mumble to me that he was clearing a path to the 7-11 up on Franconia Road. He said there used to be a path there. I smiled and kept walking but the man seemed very strange, appeared out of nowhere and I questioned why he would be "making a path" in the highly overgrown area along the metro tracks when the existing sidewalk through Greenwood served as a path to Franconia Road.

Several days later in December, my dog was out on the back deck at about 4pm and began barking. I looked out to see the same man, in the same clothes walking through the woods that separate my row of homes from some on Debra Lu. Again, I thought this was strange. In addition it was extremely cold out and he was in the same thin blue jacket.

In January I saw the same man in the same clothes walking out of the woods behind my row of homes and onto Levi Court where he was talking to himself. He continued on Levi and went behind the homes on my street that back to the pond and path to the metro.

I have since seen this man many times either mumbling to himself on the path to the metro or in the woods behind various rows of homes on Levi and Debra Lu. I didn't report it because being new to the neighborhood and not knowing everyone on my street, I thought maybe this man was simply someone's relative and was just a bit strange.

Upon talking with my neighbors, I discovered that this man was not known to the longtime residents of Levi Court. In addition, today, March 30th he came out of behind some homes on Levi and approached my neighbor and me and mumbled something about sayings from back when he was a kid. None of his conversation made much sense or had much relevance. While he was in a different outfit then his usual one today, he did appear dirty and strangely disoriented. My neighbor and I quickly went inside and that is when she recommended I contact your organization.

Perhaps this person is harmless but after reading the Greenwood newsletter, my description of this man sounds a bit like that of the man who was/is taking newspapers from neighbors. In addition, I am not comfortable with him wandering the woods behind homes. He appears to be around the Levi/Debra Lu area during the week from about 4pm-6pm.

Thank you!

Monday, April 02, 2007

Narcotics Arrest / Pit Bulls Shot on Zekan Lane, Springfield

(Zekan Lane is the street that runs parallel to Seatrend Way)

FRANCONIA, Va. -- Fairfax County police officials said officers serving an arrest warrant for narcotics Thursday (March 29) shot and killed two dogs. Police said it happened in the 6400 block of Zekan Lane about 10:30 p.m. in the Franconia section of the county.

Upon entering the residence, an officer was attacked by one of five dogs that were in the home, officials said. The attacking dog, a Pit Bull, was shot and killed. A second dog, a Rottweiller/Labrador mix, then charged at officers and was also shot and killed, police said.

The first officer that was attacked suffered minor injuries to his upper body, authorities said. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated and released. Police said a third dog, also a Pit Bull, was taken to a veterinarian and treated for minor injuries not related to gunfire. The two remaining dogs, also Pit Bulls, were not injured and were transported to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, officials said. They were later released to their owner.
The tactical team had knowledge of the dogs, officials said. Officers made an arrest, but police have not released the person's name. This investigation is ongoing.

Monday, March 26, 2007

Theft of Charity Donations

The Neighbor Watch Committee has been made aware of theft of charity donations in the Greenwood Community. On several occasions a Greenwood resident has left a bag of goods outside her garage at 6.30 a.m. and was informed later that day that the goods were not there when they drove by to pick them up. Unfortunately there are groups around who scout neighborhoods for charity donations and steal them for their own use or to sell. Please be aware of this activity and report suspicious behavior.

Be a Good Neighbor - Report Suspicious Activity

A recently aired (March 7) segment of the NBC "Dateline" examined more crime could be prevented if we less apathetic about what goes on around us. As neighbors we need to be aware of what is going on around us and not just ignore unusual activity because it doesn't affect us or we think someone else will take care of it.

In our recent Neighborhood Watch briefing, Officer Nida of the Fairfax County Police encouraged us to report any suspicious activity, no matter how insignificant we thought it might be. A few days later, my doorbell rang one evening and by the time I got to the door and managed to look through the peephole, the two gentlemen planning to pay me a visit has walked away. I assumed from the way they were dressed that they were religious workers (soliciting in Greenwood is prohibited, incidentally), but as a precaution, I called the non-emergency police number and was told that a police cruiser would come by the area. Now, as I said, I THINK they were probably "harmless" but, all the same, I would rather take 5 minutes of an officer's time to check that out, than hear the next day about a home invasion in Greenwood.

Please report ANY suspicious activity, no matter how trivial it may seem. Use the non-emergency number on the magnet you recently received.

Reporting suspicious activity is especially important when it comes to children. Please watch this perturbing video which aired as part of the dateline story and teach your children to report anything out of the ordinary or situations they are uncomfortable with. Click on the link below to read the Dateline article and watch the video.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17508172/

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Girl Abducted at Bus Stop

A 10-year-old Engleside-area girl was abducted at a bus stop Saturday, March 17 around 8:30 a.m. on Route 1 near Frye Road. The man first asked the girl if she wanted a ride, then implied he had a weapon and pulled her into his van. He drove about 1½ miles before stopping the van and exposing himself to her. He let her out at Fordson Road and drove away. The victim was not injured.

The suspect was described as a Hispanic man about 35-45 years old, 5 feet 8 to 5 feet 9 inches tall with black hair. He wore a navy blue shirt and blue jeans. He drove a white van.

Police are releasing a composite sketch of the suspect from the abduction which occurred Saturday, March 17. Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the man in the sketch. Anyone who thinks they can identify this man should call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS or the police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131.

Monday, March 19, 2007

Pet Food Recall

Menu Foods, the Ontario, Canada-based company that produces pet food, recalled dog food sold throughout North America under 48 brands and cat food sold under 40 brands including Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070318/ap_on_re_us/pet_food_recall;_ylt=AhU1PoedbSiTZq8z96QyjnhvzwcF

A complete list of the recalled products along with product codes, descriptions and production dates is available from the Menu Foods Web site, http://www.menufoods.com/recall. The company also designated two phone numbers that pet owners could call for information — (866) 463-6738 and (866) 895-2708.

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Fairfax County Website

It's amazing all the information found on the Internet when doing a search on 'safety'. Of all the sites that are out there, we are very fortunate to have one of the best sites within our own county. The Fairfax County website has TONS of information - take some time to explore it; you will be amazed at what you can learn about the community you live in. Here's some information they have posted about safety.

Safety Tips http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/reports/reports2006/120606safetytips.htm

  • Keep doors locked, even if you are away for only a few minutes.
  • Always keep your keys in your possession. Never place them under mats, over doors, or in any other obvious hiding places.
  • Install and use a door chain and viewer/peephole, and ask the callers name every time you answer the door. Don’t open the door until you are sure who is there.
  • If the caller claims to be an official, ask for proof of identity. If you are in any doubt, ask the person to either wait or call back later so that you can ring the company he or she claims to be representing for verification.
  • If a stranger asks to use your telephone in an emergency, offer to make the call yourself while he/she waits outside.
  • Have a home security check conducted by the Crime Prevention Officer in your local police district.
  • If you return to your residence and you think it has been entered illegally, do not enter. Call the Police at 911!
  • Draw curtains or blinds after dark.
  • Don't advertise. Never leave a note on the door stating you are not at home. Use only your last name and first initial on the door, the mailbox, and in telephone books. Consider excluding your street address from directory listings. .
  • Establish a buddy system with a neighbor. Each should be wary of anything out of the ordinary, in and around the others' premises. Let your neighbor know when you will be arriving home late. Take in each other's mail and newspapers in the event of vacations or absences for more than a day.
  • Use a timer for lamps or a radio to give your residence an occupied look or sound.
  • Never answer personal questions on the telephone. Never admit that you are alone or that you live alone.
  • All entrances to your home should be well lit.
  • Be involved with your Neighborhood Watch.
  • Report any suspicious sounds, activities, automobiles or behavior that you see to the police

Friday, March 16, 2007

Alert - Homeowners Prevent Larceny Scam

Two residents of a home in the Lorton area were the victims of an attempted scam last night. Around 5:10 p.m. on Thursday, March 15, two men knocked on the front door of a residence in the 9500 block of Fourth Street. The homeowners answered the door and the men explained they worked with a construction company. The men told the homeowners that they needed to discuss the removal of a tree in their backyard.

The husband walked into the backyard with one of the men while the second man came into the home with the wife. As the two sat at the kitchen table talking, the woman heard a noise elsewhere in the home. She went to investigate and discovered a third man attempting to steal items from inside. All three suspects fled from the home and left the area in a silver truck, possibly a Chevrolet. No items were taken and no one was injured.

The suspects were all described as Hispanic and in their 30s. The first suspect was 6 feet tall and weighed 160 pounds. The second suspect was about 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed 190 pounds.

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

Monday, March 12, 2007

Greenwood Open Space Cleanup

People littering and heavy winds blowing on trash day has lead to excess trash throughout the neighborhood. Criminals see dirty neighborhoods as an open invitation. Do your part to keep the neighborhood clean and free from crime.

The 4th Annual 'Krispy Kreme and Clean' Greenwood Open Space Cleanup will be held Saturday morning, April 21st, at 8:30am. Please meet at the pool parking lot for trash bags and area assignments.

It seem to be the same handful of people helping clean up year after year. Parents, please encourage your children to help on the cleanup. Seeing how much litter is collected will hopefully help them think twice before throwing their snack wrappers and soda bottles anywhere other than a trashcan. Make it a family affair and pass along pride in the community to the next generation.

Plus, free donuts and coffee.

To add to the beauty of the neighborhood, the committee is also kind enough to give participants a lovely small spring plant for their yard.

Thursday, March 08, 2007

Metro Transit Crime

While crime remains (relatively) low in the Metro system, Metro did see an increase in robberies last year. In 2006, there were 352 robberies reported, about a 6 percent increase from the 332 robberies recorded in 2005. As of February 1, there have been 19 robberies so far this year.

The Metro Transit Police offer a wealth of crime prevention information and tips to help Metro riders protect themselves through various outreach events and on the department’s Web site. Visit www.wmata.com/about/mtpd/default.cfm to download tips on late night and safe travel, and preventing auto theft.

Whether you're a passenger riding transit, a bicyclist, a pedestrian or a driver, there are things you can do to protect your own safety on escalators, in parking lots, walking at night or just sitting in your car at a traffic light. Transit providers put your safety first – you should do the same. Check out some of these helpful sites for tips on safety and emergency preparedness, both general and transportation-related.

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

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.

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

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

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

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

Thursday, February 01, 2007

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