FCPD: Suspect Impersonating Police Officer Near Hechinger Drive
Franconia Police District commanders gave a brief crime update during Wednesday's CAC meeting.
A man has reportedly been impersonating a police officer near Hechinger Drive, according to Fairfax County Police.
That was one of the more unique crime reports that came out of a Wednesday night meeting of the Citizens Advisory Committee. Police are investigating the incident.
The main crime news: Robberies in the Franconia District are down, Captain Jim Baumstark said during the meeting.
Baumstark and First Lieutenant William Jacoby said they've dealt with a few burglaries in the past few weeks where victims of these crimes left doors and/or windows of their homes unlocked. The district commanders reminded those in attendance Wednesday night to lock their homes and vehicles and avoid leaving garage door openers in plain sight.
A few residents at the meeting also asked about the serial groper. Baumstark said they're still investigating, but the suspect hasn't struck in three weeks.
"We've had a pretty quiet holiday season," Baumstark said.
PFC Julia M. Elliott also gave a presentation during the meeting, giving residents information on how FCPD collects evidence during various incidents. Elliott said one of the most common incidents the Franconia Police District handles is vehicle tampering.
"When we get one, we get 10," Elliott said. "They'll go in and take loose change. If they see a laptop bag in the vehicle, they'll take the chance. We advise people to take the loose change out of your car and if you have GPS and even the GPS stand, take that out of your car to avoid this."
Baumstark said they are also currently investigating incidents involving the theft of airbags from Hondas and Nissans near Highdale Court.
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Jerry D
11:43 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
"Take loose change out of your car?" This is the FCPD's answer to the problem of vehicle tampering? Why don't we just take everything out of the car, including the radio/CD player and built-in GPS, every time we get out. Surely that will be their next bit of good advice. Better yet, build a garage if you don't have one. (But don't leave that garage door remote in your car. Better take that in with you too).
mary
8:27 am on Thursday, January 17, 2013
Why not do one small thing such as remove a temptation? Does it STOP all vehicle tampering? No. Might it stop someone from breaking into YOUR car. Perhaps. People will steal what they can, even if it's a few bucks worth of change. All suggestions are not fixing the larger problem, but it's a suggestion to prevent someone from picking your car. That's all. Give the FCPD help in not having to investigate the crimes that could have been avoided by doing a simple thing. More time to devote to the bigger picture and more serious crimes.
Micah L
9:37 am on Thursday, January 17, 2013
Well said, Jerry D. I'd like to see that presentation on how they collect evidence. Their advice is about as good as the local news channels during inclement weather.
Kay Cee
4:28 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013
I was just wondering if you were at the meeting? This article is just a small summary of what was discussed at the meeting. The CAC meetings are always informative, and they are willing to discuss security issues with you at any time. So, unless you've been to the CAC meetings, I don't think you can criticize FCPD based on a little summary written by the Patch.
mary
9:52 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013
Well said Kay Cee. You have to be a part of the solution, not a spectator with limited information throwing around opinions.
Jerry D
12:44 pm on Saturday, January 19, 2013
Look, I appreciate your critical comments, but I am not really bad-mouthing the FCPD as much as I am expressing my frustration and incredulity at some of the suggestions offered at the CAC that were reported in the article and no, I did not attend). It sounded just like the stupid "Tips" you get from the news/weather channels about how to stay warm in the winter, or how to drive in the snow, or stay cool in the summer, etc.,(fill in your own personal favorite). We're not idiots. These "experts," may think they are helping me by giving me advice/tips that any sensible person with an IQ over 80 could discern on their own. They are not helpful; at a minimum, they're just wasting my time.
If I don't have the sense to lock my car, or to not leave my laptop or iphone on the seat in plain view even if the car is locked, then shame on me for being a dolt. No free advice or good tips are going to save me from myself.
Kay Cee
5:07 pm on Saturday, January 19, 2013
Well, the advice they give is not wasteful advice. I totally understand what you are saying, but that is not what I take away from the meetings. I've gotten some great ideas from these meetings. And maybe the article is doing a disservice to what is actually discussed at the meetings - and this is just one meeting that the Patch has attended in a while. Trust me, most of the burglaries that are reported are with cars and houses that are unlocked. Sensible seems to be an oxymoron these days..... Which is why coffee cups have to say "hot beverage" on them.... Duh! . You should come to one of the CAC meetings, they don't treat us like idiots, they are really informative, and the officers are appreciative that citizens are involved. The article did not do the meeting justice, I guess thats the bottom line; it was a very brief synopsis at best, which is why I don't think you should judge the meeting. :-) Hope to see you at the next one! They are the 3rd Wednesdays of the month. :-)