Summer Safety Tips for Sully District

Fairfax County Police officers at the Sully District Station presented tips on how residents can ensure the safety of their homes and vehicles during the June meeting of the district's Citizens Advisory Committee on Tuesday, June 19.
To have a safe and fun summer, Officer Brett Katinsky, crime prevention officer for the Sully District, said that residents should do the following:

• Lock all the doors and windows in your home when you are away (whether it be on vacation or running errands. This also holds true at night when you are sleeping.

• If your home has an alarm system, use it, and make sure it’s registered with the county.

• If you have an attached garage, close the door. If on vacation, de-activate the automatic garage door opener. Change your code every once in a while, and lock the interior door leading to the main house.

• Use exterior lighting. Katinsky said flood lights, motion detectors and lamp posts are essential to deterrence.

• Use interior lighting. Alternate lights in different rooms when away from home. Motion lights serve as an excellent deterrent.

• Trim bushes around windows. Don't let them get overgrown, or people will know you're away.

• Do not leave valuables in plain view. For examply, residents shouldn't leave a purse sitting on a table next to a door or window.

• If you "hide" a door key on the exterior of the home, be sure it’s well hidden. It's better to give to a neighbor.

• If you have extension ladders in the tool shed, under a deck, it's worth it to secure the ladder with a lock.

• Lock all tool sheds, as the tools within can be used to break into your home.

• Be conscientious of open second story windows, and also of decks and other means for criminals to climb to a second story window.

• Make sure deadbolts are installed on exterior doors (single key, double key).

• Consider enhanced locking devices for sliding windows (pins).

• If you have older children that come home late, urge them to ensure they are locking up when they arrive home.

• Get to know your neighbors and your neighborhood, and watch out for each other.

Vehicle Safety Tips

• Lock all vehicle doors.

• Remove valuables from vehicle.

• Remove your automatic door opener.

• Absolutely never leave a GPS device affixed to the windshield when not in use. Remove it from the windshield and store it in the console, glove box. Keeping inside your house is the safest option.

• Lock your vehicle even when parked in a garage.

• Never leave a spare key hidden within the vehicle. And NEVER leave a key in the ignition unattended.