Sign up to get the Community Report every month.
Your information will not be shared.
An unsubscribe link is at the bottom of each newsletter.
|
|
|
Message From the Commander
|
|
Dear Franconia Community,
Welcome to the July 2022 edition of the Franconia Community Report. I hope each of you had an opportunity to join family and friends to celebrate our nation’s independence over the July 4th weekend!
Summer is in full-stride and to some extent, crime is seasonal – longer daylight hours, people away from their homes - either for vacation or outdoor activities, and increased heat temperatures all contribute to the seasonality of crime in the summer months. This month’s newsletter content includes analytical data about our fight against crime as well as actionable prevention strategies – some of which are especially relevant to the summertime.
Traffic safety is of paramount importance no matter the season, but the summer heat can cause unique challenges for drivers and their vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provided the following video on summer driving and road trip tips, click HERE for the video.
Along the same topic, in recent weeks, the Franconia Police District developed a tracking mechanism for recurring and complex traffic and parking complaints. I’m pleased to report that our progress has been steady and that we intend to hold a virtual Traffic Town Hall this Fall – more details are forthcoming. In the meantime, please continue to submit concerns via email to: John.Lieb@fairfaxcounty.gov
|
|
Sincerely,
John
John Lieb, Captain
Commander, Franconia District Station
|
|
|
Comments?
Let us know what you think of the Community Report. Are there things you would like to see, not see, or see differently? Tell us about it.
|
|
|
- Commander's Message - Summer Heat, Traffic Town Hall
- Officer of the Month Apprehends Robber
- Larceny from Vehicles at Parks
- Airbag Theft from Locked and Unlocked Vehicles
- National Night Out August 2nd.
- June Crime Report
- Calls for Service Increase 28%, Serious Crimes Increase 22%
- Change to Exhaust Noise Law
- Traffic Safety Initiatives - Aggressive Driving
- CAC Meeting Hiatus
- FCPD Recruiting, Data, and Social Media Links
|
|
Officer Apprehends Robber
|
|
Master Police Officer Steven Kaganowich is “Officer of the Month” for Franconia District Station. On May 31, 2022, a clerk working the checkout line at the Kingstowne Giant was approached by a masked bandit. The suspect, who implied that he had a weapon, pushed the clerk then forcefully grabbed money from the cash register and fled on foot. Among the responding officers was MPO Kaganowich, who utilized his years of experience to plot out escape routes the fleeing suspect might take. He hit pay dirt, observing the suspect a few blocks away, trying to cross a busy street. When MPO Kaganowich turned his car back around to get the suspect, the suspect had already disappeared. MPO Kaganowich pressed further though, searching behind houses and businesses on foot until he located the suspect concealing himself behind a children’s day care center. Taking his own safety secondary to protecting the children, MPO Kaganowich approached the man on foot and apprehended him. As a result of MPO Kaganowich’s determination and steadfast resolve, a dangerous felon was removed from the streets.
|
|
Over the past few weeks, officers have taken several Larceny from Vehicle reports in the District. Unfortunately, items of value had been left in plain sight and suspects smashed out windows to gain entry. In some cases, these incidents occurred during daytime or early evening hours while community members were using park facilities. The photo at right is of a car that was broken into while at a park. Note the rock that was used to break the window.
In addition to forced entry, we are continuing to see larcenies from vehicles at all hours of the day and night from vehicles that have been left unlocked.
Please remember to lock your vehicles and either secure items of value out of sight (for example, in the trunk) or take them with you. During evening or night hours, try to park in a location that is well lit. And please, if you see any suspicious behavior involving your vehicle or someone else’s, do not hesitate to contact the police at our non-emergency number 703-691-2131 or 911 for crimes in progress or emergencies.
|
|
There have been recent incidents of airbags being stolen from vehicles, generally in the overnight hours. We have noted that Honda Accords and Honda Civics have been targeted, although not exclusively. All vehicles are vulnerable to airbag theft. If the vehicle is locked, suspects may gain access by shattering a window to get to the airbags. One such incident is shown below. An internet video shows how easy airbag removal can be.
|
|
Be vigilant. Some recommendations to consider:
- If possible, park your vehicle in a well-lit area or in sight of a surveillance camera. If you have a doorbell camera or other camera, review your motion sensor settings so that you get motion notifications of any activity that might be suspicious.
- Consider purchasing a steering wheel locking device that runs through the center of the steering wheel to prevent the theft.
- Set your car alarm (and check with your mechanic or dealership to be sure that it’s working.)
We are asking that if you have surveillance cameras, please check them regularly and call our non-emergency number (703-691-2131) if you see or hear anything suspicious.
Whenever you see something suspicious, call the police immediately. Remember to be a good witness by attempting to take a picture of the suspect or the suspect's vehicle from a safe distance. If you cannot take a photo, mentally note the description of the suspect or suspects, their vehicle, and their direction of travel. Please do not confront the person at any time, instead wait for officers to get on scene.
|
|
Crime Prevention Office Events
|
|
NNO 2022 is Tuesday, August 2nd.
Make it an event in your neighborhood.
|
|
It’s An Opportunity:
- For fun, food and fellowship in your community;
- To get to know your Police and Public Safety team better;
- To heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
- To send the message your neighborhood is organized against crime.
Whether a simple ice cream party or an all-out festival, NNO is an opportunity to gather with your neighbors, get better acquainted and talk about
issues of common concern.
To register an event, click on the graphic or go to:
|
|
For more information about events or for other crime prevention information and assistance, contact the Franconia District Station Crime Prevention Office:
Crime Prevention Officer
Community Outreach and Liaison Officer
|
|
Click below to visit the Fairfax County Police Department's
Crime Prevention & Awareness page.
|
|
BANK ROBBERY: 6949 Commerce Street (Capital One Bank), 6/29/22, 3:14 p.m. A man entered the bank, presented a note demanding money and left on foot. No injuries were reported.
COMMERCIAL ROBBERY: 6500 Springfield Mall (Children’s Place), 6/28/22, 4:25 p.m. A woman entered the business and took merchandise without paying. When confronted by a store employee, the woman pepper sprayed the employee and left. No injuries were reported.
CARJACKING: 7800 block of Loisdale Road, 6/25/22, 9:07 a.m. The victim was sitting in his vehicle when he was approached by a man armed with a knife. The man pulled the victim from his vehicle, assaulted him, took property and drove away in the victim’s Nissan Versa. The victim was treated for injuries that were not considered life threatening.
STABBING: 6800 block of Commerce Street, 6/21/22, 4:34 p.m. A community member found a man in the parking lot with a stab wound to the upper body. The man was treated for injuries that were later determined not to be life threatening. Through an investigation, officers determined the victim and a 35-year-old woman got into a dispute at a nearby establishment. The woman stabbed the victim and left. Detectives obtained a warrant for malicious wounding. This does not appear to be a random act.
CARJACKING - ARREST: 6400 block of Brandon Avenue, 6/20/22, 3:41 p.m. Officers responded just before 4 p.m. to I95 southbound near Old Keene Mill Road to assist another jurisdiction after they located a black GMC Sierra that was reported stolen. The three occupants of the Sierra ran after Onstar disabled the vehicle near the 6400 block of Brandon Avenue. As the three men were running, they approached a separate victim, demanded his keys, and drove off in the new victim’s Chevrolet SUV. A short time later, the vehicle became disabled after striking a utility pole near the intersection of Phillip Road and Greenfield Road in Annandale. Officers quickly located the three men, and they were arrested. Two firearms were recovered from the vehicles. No injuries were reported. A 20-yeard-old Hampton man was charged with carjacking and disregarding police signal to stop. A 23-year-old Hampton man was charged with carjacking, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and felon in possession of ammunition. A 20-year-old Williamsburg man was charged with carjacking and credit card theft.
STABBING - ARREST: 7200 block of Little River Turnpike, 6/19/22, 12:22 a.m. A 37-year-old man got into an argument with a friend and stabbed him in the upper body. The victim was treated for injuries that were not considered life threatening. He was charged with malicious wounding.
COMMERCIAL BURGLARY: 5965 Kingstowne Towne Center, Suite 120 (Game Stop), 6/19/22, 7:11 a.m. Someone forced entry into the business, damaged property, and took merchandise.
COMMERCIAL ROBBERY: 6400 Springfield Mall (Macy’s), 6/19/22, 3:10 p.m. A man took merchandise without paying. When confronted by a store employee, the man displayed a knife and left the store. No injuries were reported.
COMMERCIAL BURGLARY - ARREST: 5710 Telegraph Road (Speedway Gas), 6/16/22, 12:45 a.m. A 45-year-old man forced entry into the business. The alarm company was alerted and was able to view the man taking merchandise on security cameras. Officers responded and quickly arrested him nearby. He was charged with burglary, possession of burglarious tools and petit larceny.
COMMERCIAL BURGLARY: 6816 Bland Street (Springfield Butcher), 6/12/22, 10 a.m. Someone forced entry into the business, damaged property and took money.
BANK ROBBERY: 9405 Lorton Market Street (Bank of America), 6/10/22, 11:22 am. A man entered the bank, announced a robbery, took money and ran away. No injuries were reported.
COMMERCIAL BUGLARY - ARREST: 6400 A Commerce Street (Fuzion Lounge), 6/8/2022, 5 a.m. The business owner was alerted on his phone by his surveillance system of movement inside the store. The burglar appeared to be at the cash register and police were called. Officers arrested the 25-year-old man as he exited the business.
COMMERCIAL BURGLARY: 9020 Lorton Station Boulevard (Casa Tequila), 6/2/22, 5:45 a.m. A man forced entry into the business, damaged property, and attempted to take money.
|
|
The report contains selected crimes. This report is not a comprehensive list of every police event in the district in the month. Information contained in the Info Sheet is generally based on initial reports made to the police department. Follow-up investigations may reveal different or additional information.
|
|
Bias Crimes and Incidents - Franconia District
|
|
No Bias Crimes were reported in June.
For more detail on Virginia and Fairfax County Bias Crime law click HERE
|
|
REMINDER:
Please be vigilant & report any suspicious activity in your neighborhood
Anyone with information pertaining to these cases is asked to contact Crime Solvers by one of the methods below. If the information provided results in an arrest and indictment, apprehension of a fugitive or the recovery of stolen property or seizure of illegal drugs, a cash reward ranging between $100 to $1000 is paid to the tipster.
-
By Phone -1-866-411-TIPS ( 866-411-8477);
-
By Text - Send a text message to 847411, then type the keyword "FCCS" add a space, type your tip info and hit send;
-
By web - Click HERE; or,
-
Download our Mobile tip411 App "Fairfax Co Crime Solvers."
|
|
Calls for Service and Crime Statistics
|
|
Total Calls for Service FCPD-wide increased 3.5% in June 2022 versus June 2021, rising to 35,428 versus 34,210 last year. Franconia Calls for Service increased 5.4% compared to June 2021.
In Franconia, Criminal Calls for Service increased 28% and Traffic calls increased 10% while Service calls declined 2% in June 2022 versus June 2021.
|
|
To see the call types included in each category click HERE
For information on how these statistics are compiled click HERE .
|
|
In the January - June period of 2022, Franconia Group A Events (more serious crimes) increased by 22% compared with January - June 2021. There were increases in all Patrol Service Areas and especially in PSA 640. The FCPD department-wide change was a 12% increase.
In Franconia, there were notable increases in the Assault, Counterfeiting, Larceny/Theft Offenses, Robbery and Motor Vehicle Theft categories and notable decreases in Burglary, Drug/Narcotics, and Kidnapping/Abduction categories.
|
|
Group A offenses are more serious offenses as designated by the National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS). For a full description of Groups A and B click HERE.
|
|
For additional crime statistics and information please click below.
|
|
Franconia Police District News
|
|
Exhaust System Noise Law Change
|
|
A Virginia House Bill removing restrictions on automobile exhaust system noise went into effect on July 1st, 2022. Vehicles are required to have either the original exhaust system or its equivalent installed and in good working order. Previously, Virginia Code made excessive exhaust noise an offense but prohibited officers from stopping vehicles solely for that reason. Officers may now stop vehicles for excessive noise as a primary violation. Fairfax County Code has been amended to be consistent with the change.
|
|
Traffic Safety Initiatives
|
|
Each month the Franconia Station Traffic Enforcement Officer selects sections of the traffic code for special enforcement emphasis. The selection is based on county-wide focus areas, seasonal variables, public safety concerns, and other factors. For the month of July, aggressive driving has been selected. Brief interpretations of key points of the code are listed. Click on the underlined heading or text to read the full code.
|
|
A driver can be guilty of aggressive driving for committing any of the offenses below where the driver is a hazard to another person or commits the offense with the intent to harass, intimidate, injure or obstruct another person:
-
failing to drive on the right side of a highway,
-
failing to observe lane markings,
-
following too closely,
-
failure to stop or yield right-of-way,
-
evading traffic control devices,
-
improper passing,
-
passing on the right,
-
not giving way to an overtaking vehicle,
-
not moving to the right,
-
dangerous passing,
-
speeding,
- or stopping on a highway
|
|
Franconia
Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
|
|
CAC meetings are on hiatus in July and August, but meetings are normally held at 7 PM on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. All are welcome. Meeting participation details are distributed by email. Contact CAC Coordinator Kim Barber mailto:kim.barber@fairfaxcounty.gov if you would like to be placed on the CAC notification list.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 21st, 2022 at 7 PM in the Community Room, Franconia Governmental Center, 6121 Franconia Road.
|
|
Find your purpose and contribute to the community
with FCPD.
Click on the image.
|
|
Police Data and Reform Website
Click on the image.
|
|
Keep in Touch with FCPD
Information and alerts from the Police Department are available
on our web pages and on many social media platforms.
Click on the button below for a list of links.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|