Detectives from police stations across Fairfax County are investigating a higher-than-normal series of stolen vehicle reports that have occurred since the beginning of June. These vehicles have primarily been stolen overnight, and it appears the suspects mainly entered unlocked vehicles with keys inside.

Detectives have determined that these suspects have used garage door openers or forced entry to gain access to at least three homes. In these incidents, the alleged thieves entered the homes and stole personal belongings as well as vehicle keys. The suspects then proceeded to steal one or more vehicles from home.

The suspects in these cases typically travel in groups of two or three. In several instances, the suspects have been described as black men, ranging from their teens to 30 years old. Detectives believe the suspects may be armed.   

The chart below shows the number of cases reported in each police district. More than fifty percent of the thefts are in the McLean District, while Reston, the station that serves Great Falls, has had only 2 cases to date. 

District:
Mount Vernon – 3
McLean – 15
Reston – 2
Franconia – 4
West Springfield – 2
Fair Oaks – 1

Detectives have discovered commonalities with these vehicle thefts and are looking into the possibility of other related incidents. Some of these vehicles have been recovered in surrounding jurisdictions. The Criminal Investigation Sections from the Department’s district stations are working together, using visible and non-visible resources to help solve these crimes. Police officers and Neighborhood Patrol Units are conducting extra patrols with the goal of keeping the community safe.

Here are a few recommended ways to stay safe: 

• Keep your vehicle locked at all times 
• Remove keys and garage door openers from vehicles 
• Lock the door to an attached garage 
• Keep all doors and windows to your home locked 
• Keep the perimeter of your home well lit 
• Keep vehicle keys out of view from the outside of your home

FCPD asks that the public please be on the lookout for suspicious people, cars and noises, and to call their non-emergency number, 703-691-2131, to report suspicious activity; for an emergency, call 911. 

If you have any information about these crimes, you are encouraged to reach out to your local district station or submit your tip anonymously through Crime Solvers. Tips can be submitted by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), by text – Type “FCCS” plus tip to 847411, and by web –Click HERE. Download the Mobile tip411 App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards of $100 to $1,000 if their information leads to an arrest.  

For ongoing updates, see the FCPD’s blog and follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.

Source:  Fairfax County Police Department News