The Falls Church Police Department is investigating a series of larcenies from vehicles and three stolen vehicles which have occurred throughout the City over the past few weeks.

One arrest has been made, but more arrests are expected.  Similar crimes have been committed even after the initial arrest, and the Police investigation continues.

In the month of November 2009, there have been 30 reported incidents in the City in which vehicles have been entered and items stolen from the interior.  All of the vehicles in these cases have been unlocked.   In the stolen car cases, keys were left inside each time.  The vehicles victimized have been generally clustered around East and West Falls Church Metro Station neighborhoods.

The Police Department strongly encourages residents to lock all vehicles and keep valuable items out of sight and/or out of vehicles. During the holiday season, it is especially important to ensure that all holiday gifts and items of value are secure and not visible from the outside of a vehicle or a home.

The Falls Church Police is working in cooperation with Metro Transit Police, Arlington County Police, Metropolitan Washington D.C. Police, Town of Vienna Police and Fairfax County Police, who are all reporting a similar pattern of larcenies.   The best defense is to secure vehicles and homes and call the police if you see or hear anything suspicious.  The Falls Church Police Department’s emergency number is 703-241-5050.