Hide It. Lock It. Keep It: Protect Your Car and Everything in It

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Fairfax County, VA – As colder mornings return, now is a good time to take simple steps to prevent vehicle-related thefts.

Whether you’re making a quick coffee stop, dropping your kids at daycare, or running inside for a moment, taking a few seconds to secure your vehicle can make all the difference.

Don’t Warm Up Your Car While Unattended

Cold mornings often mean starting your vehicle early to warm it up. But an unlocked, running vehicle can be taken in seconds, and every year, we see cars being stolen this way.

If the engine is running and the doors are unlocked, your vehicle is vulnerable. Please stay with your car while it warms up or use a remote start device that keeps the doors locked.

Lock It Every Time: No Exceptions

Thieves often target communities because people feel comfortable leaving their cars unlocked. A locked door is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent theft. Whether you’re at home, at work, or just stepping away for a moment, lock your vehicle every single time.

Remove Valuables or Keep Them Out of Sight

Most thefts from vehicles are crimes of opportunity. Items left in plain view can attract the wrong kind of attention. Please consider:

  • Removing wallets, phones, laptops, and purses
  • Storing bags, shopping items, or valuables in the trunk
  • Avoiding leaving garage door openers or spare keys inside the vehicle
  • Bringing packages inside promptly during holiday shopping season

Never Leave Keys or Key Fobs Inside Your Vehicle

A significant number of vehicle thefts occur because keys or key fobs were left inside. Modern push-button vehicles can be driven away silently and quickly if a fob is left in the center console, cup holder, or door pocket.

Before heading inside, double-check that:

  • The vehicle is locked
  • Keys (including spare keys) are with you
  • The fob isn’t left in the car or accidentally left in a coat or bag near the driveway

Be Alert in Parking Lots and During Quick Stops

Short trips are when many thefts happen. Even if it feels inconvenient, taking a few extra seconds to lock your doors, secure your belongings, and turn off the car can prevent a major loss and a stressful day.

If you see suspicious activity or someone checking door handles in your neighborhood, call our non-emergency line at 703-691-2131. If you witness a crime in progress, call 911 immediately.

Let’s Work Together to Reduce Crime of Opportunity

You play a critical role in keeping our community safe. By taking simple, consistent steps to secure your property, you help reduce opportunities for theft and support the safety of everyone in Fairfax County.

Interested in joining our team? Visit our website to learn more about joining FCPD.

Register your camera with Connect Fairfax County to help FCPD solve crimes, locate missing people, and support investigations.

For more ways to stay connected, please read our blog and follow us on X, Facebook, and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.