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Protect Your Property

Fairfax County Police Department
Public Information Office
4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va. 22030
703-246-2253. TTY 703-204-2264. Fax 703-246-4253
FCPD-PIO@fairfaxcounty.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police
News Release: 09/097/GPS/eja
April 7, 2009

Protect Your Property

            Crimes involving property stolen from vehicles rose approximately 48% in 2008 as compared to 2007. As we complete the first quarter of 2009, the trend continues. The department has made several arrests throughout the county of suspects stealing from your vehicles. Items taken include purses, cellular telephones, tires, catalytic converters, and air bags. Global Positioning Systems have been the item taken most frequently. We have recovered property that needs to be returned to the rightful owners. If your GPS unit was stolen and you did not report it, please call 703-691-2131 and make the report. It is possible we have already recovered the item.

            The Police Department has taken many steps to combat this trend. You may find a letter on the windshield of your car or a flyer in the mail advising you of the potential risk to your property and warning you to take preventive action. You may have seen commanders and crime prevention officers at your home owners association and community meetings. You have not seen the plain clothes officers looking for the suspects stealing items from your vehicle. You may see McGruff, the Crime Dog bring special attention to this issue.

            Do what you can to protect yourself and your property. Now is the time to act. Here are some tips for deterring thefts:

• Register your product serial number with the manufacturer. If there is no serial number, inscribe your own.
• Do not leave valuables visible from the outside. Remove portable GPS units and cradles from the dashboard. Do not simply place it in the glove box or under the seat.
• Keep a supply of moist towelettes to clean the area of the windshield marked by the suction cup.
• Do not leave other valuables in the vehicle, including laptop computers, cameras, satellite radios, or cellular telephones.
• Lock all doors and close windows when leaving the car, even if it is only for a short time. 
• When possible, try to park the vehicle in a well-lit, busy area.