Statement from ACPD on recent crime

The following statement was provided from the Arlington County Police Department in response to inquiries about the apparent uptick in crimes:

The Arlington County Police Department is providing increased investigative resources to the incidents in the Crystal City and Aurora Highlands areas.  Each case is assigned to our Criminal Investigations Division for investigation. We have deployed both visible and non-visible assets and our crime analyst is reviewing all the crimes for any discernable pattern related to these incidents.

During the winter and early spring, there was a series of carjackings and robberies in the area and the police department and our regional partners were able to make an arrest of a subject who appeared responsible for many violent crimes in the region. After the arrest, the series ended.  Additionally, two of the cases that occurred in late July have been closed with arrest with a third will possibly be attributed to the same group. 

This summer there has appeared to be several incidents in the Crystal City and Aurora Highlands areas.  However, our crime analyst compared crime statistics from June through August 25^th of last year, to the same time frame for this year, which indicated there was a three percent decrease in overall criminal cases.  The Community Resources Section would be happy to attend one of your meetings to provide updated stats in reference to specific types of incidents and possibly have a detective attend, who may be able to provide some clarity to these crimes.  

Part of the issue with the incidents this summer has been the opportunity provided to the suspects.  Many of our cases have been stolen vehicles as a result of cars being left unlocked and idling, primarily by food delivery drivers.  There have also been ongoing occurrences of vehicles being left unlocked with the keys inside the vehicle during overnight hours, resulting in the vehicle being stolen.  Many of our larceny from autos have also occurred as a result of vehicle doors being left unlocked overnight. 

Putting all crime stats aside, the ACPD is concerned anytime we have a crime within Arlington, and we work diligently to solve and prevent further instances.  This occurs from a multi-faceted approach.  The Criminal Investigation Division is assigned to investigate the cases and to review any surveillance and/or physical evidence recovered from the scene, along with working with our regional and federal partners to identify any similar crime trends occurring outside of Arlington.  Our Patrol and Community Resources Sections provide increased uniform patrols as a visible deterrent as well as non-visible patrols to identify and arrests the suspects either before or during the act.  In addition, the Crime Analyst reviews the incidents for any patterns. The Media Office provides an educational component through the daily crime report, press releases and social media, which include safety tips to help educate citizens on how to increase safety and prevent potential crimes of opportunity.  Below are some safety tips to consider and can be found on our website:

Safety Tips and Crime Prevention Measures

Police are reminding the public to follow these safety tips:

• Exit your vehicle and continue to your destination promptly after parking.
• Park in well-lit, high traffic areas.
• Be aware of your surroundings when entering and exiting your vehicle.
• Limit your use of devices that may distract you, such as cell phones and headphones.
• Don’t leave items unattended or visible in your vehicle

Take Action with these Crime Prevention Tips Related to Home and Auto Theft

No matter where you live, follow these crime prevention tips to help reduce the likelihood for criminal activity. Never assume your home or neighborhood is immune from criminal activity as criminals will purposely seek out homes or neighborhoods that they believe present easy targets.

• Keep your garage door closed and locked. If a thief can get into a vehicle, they can have access to a garage door opener and can gain access to your home.
• Park in well-lit areas and activate exterior lights at your home.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in garages, parking lots, and gas stations.
• Never leave the area while your vehicle is running. Doing so is illegal in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Take all valuables out of your vehicle.
• Do not leave your keys, key fobs, or valet keys in your vehicle. This includes keys to a secondary vehicle.
• Close and lock all windows and doors when you park. Double click the lock button on the key fob to receive a confirmation beep/chirp or pull on the door handle to verify it’s locked.
• Ensure that your vehicle is turned OFF when leaving it unattended. Vehicles with keyless ignition systems can be driven for extended periods of time even if the key fob is not inside the car. Be sure to read your owner’s manual carefully and familiarize yourself with how to operate your vehicle’s keyless ignition system properly.
• Keep information, such as the make, model, model year, license plate and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) easily accessible in the event your vehicle is stolen.
• Consider installing effective home surveillance cameras. Be mindful that if a home surveillance system captures a larceny from auto in progress, they do not always provide the overwhelming evidence needed to prosecute a case.
• Participate in the #9PMRoutine and encourage your family, friends and neighbors to do so too.

Report Suspicious Activity to Police for Investigation

Arlington County Police officers proactively patrol Arlington’s neighborhoods to identify and prevent criminal activity. The department’s efforts are enhanced by the active involvement of residents. When residents call to report suspicious activity, they aid not only the police, but help make their neighborhoods a safer place to live and work.

Suspicious activity is an occurrence that is out of place in your neighborhood. Common suspicious activity factors in larcenies from auto cases include observing individual(s) looking into your or your neighbors’ cars, individual(s) walking down the street and trying multiple vehicle door handles, and vehicles with open doors with the interior dome lights on.

Factors such as race, ethnicity, national origin, or religious affiliation alone are not suspicious. The public should report only suspicious behavior and situations rather than beliefs, thoughts, ideas or expressions.Residents observing suspicious activity should contact the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222. If you see a suspect in your vehicle, do not approach them and dial 9-1-1 immediately.

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