Tips for Keeping You, Your Home and Your Vehicles Safe

Tips for Keeping You, Your Home and Your Vehicles Safe:

• • The NUMBER ONE Deterrent: Make your home look occupied. Keep outside lights on at night. Use timers to have the inside lights turn on in different rooms, have a radio or television on to make some noise and ask a neighbor to pick up newspapers, packages and circulars from your front door when you are away.

  • Review "A Guide for Protecting Your Home and Property" which includes consideration of landscaping, interior and exterior lighting, alarm systems, doors and entryways, glass vision panels or glass in the door, door hinges, peepholes, door locks, door strike plates, and windows.

  • Review "Crime Prevention Starts with You." Don't assume that a person sitting in a parked car or a person trying to open a car door that you don't recognize has neighborly intentions. Keep storm doors locked when your front door is open. Lock sliding doors and all windows even when you are at home.

  • When a Solicitor Knocks...

    • First don't answer the door.

    • If you do open the door, tell them they must leave the property immediately. Indian Run Townhomes is private property and soliciting is considered trespassing as posted at either end of the public road. See picture at entrance and the west parameter sign is by the fire hydrant. Ask them to leave and that you will be calling the police.

    • Close the door and either call the non-emergency number 703-691-2131 to report this or the Neighborhood Watch Coordinator.

  • Review "Auto Thefts, Car Break-Ins" for ten ways to reduce auto thefts and break-ins. Night time break-ins to unlocked vehicles is one of the most reported crimes in Fairfax County. This crime of opportunity and has happened to Indian Run Townhome residents on several occasions. Not only have valuables been taken but the contents of the vehicle has been left in a mess. Lock your vehicles and store your packages out of sight.

  • Review "Protection Against ID Theft" for a list of credit reporting companies, what to do if you are a victim of identity theft and scams and how to check out charities who call you on the phone.

  • Are you a victim or know of a bias or hate crime? See "Reporting Bias Crime" for reporting information.

  • Package Theft - More and more purchases are made on line and delivered to your home. To ensure you are not the victim of Porch Thieves, here are some things you can do to protect your deliveries:

    • Use Store/Warehouse Delivery - many services offer pickup options to avoid the risk of delivery theft.

    • Use Option for Required Signature - many services allow you to choose this option, particularly for high value items.

    • Team with Neighbors - watch each other's houses, if practical authorize a neighbor to sign for packages.

    • Use a Security Camera - it may deter thieves or help identify them later.

    • Use Special Security Devices - lockboxes and anti-theft electronics especially made to prevent or detect theft are available. Some are paired with cell phone apps.

    • Suspicious Activity - don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1 if you see a crime in progress or call 703-691-2131 for non-emergencies.

Reminder:

This is also a reminder for everyone to do your part to limit the opportunity for you to be a victim. As always, we remind you to:

1. Lock your Doors!

2. Keep valuables out of plain sight, and even better take them with you when you exit your vehicles. Most importantly, DO NOT leave FIREARMS in your vehicle!

3. Try to park in a well lit or secured location.

Along with taking valuables from your vehicles, please take your keys and key fobs with you! All of the stolen cars involved had extra keys left in the car.

Lastly, DO NOT confront someone that you believe may be involved in committing an offense like breaking into a vehicle. Call the police immediately and do everything you can to be a good witness, including observing as much as you can such as person descriptions and vehicle information like license plates.

Items can be replaced. You Can’t!