Home for the Holidays: Safety Tips From FCPD

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Fairfax County, VA – During the holiday season, when travel, shopping, and busy schedules are common, homes can become more vulnerable to criminal activity. By taking a few proactive steps, residents can significantly reduce their risk. The Fairfax County Police Department encourages the community to review these home safety tips to help protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind throughout the holidays.

Burglary Prevention Tips

  • Lock all doors and windows at all times, including when you are home.
  • Use quality deadbolts and reinforced strike plates on exterior doors.
  • Install motion-activated lighting around doors, garages, and other entry points.
  • Keep shrubs and trees trimmed to eliminate potential hiding places.
  • Never leave spare keys outside; use a secure lockbox if needed.
  • Secure garages and sheds to prevent access to tools, ladders, or bicycles.
  • Report suspicious activity to the Fairfax County Police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131.

Heading Out of Town? Protect Your Home

  • Double-check all doors and windows, including garages, sliding doors, and basement entrances.
  • Use light or TV timers to create the appearance that someone is home.
  • Keep packages, gifts, and valuables out of view from windows.
  • Avoid sharing travel plans on social media until you return.
  • Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect mail and packages and check on your home.
  • Ensure security cameras, alarms, and monitoring systems are functioning before you leave.

Connect Fairfax County: Strengthening Community Safety

Participating in the  Connect Fairfax County program is one of the most effective ways to support crime prevention. Registering your security camera with this initiative does not grant direct access to footage, but it helps detectives identify cameras in the area that may have captured evidence. Even if you’re not the victim of a crime, your footage could help solve cases and support investigations in your neighborhood.

By taking these precautions and working together, we can help prevent burglaries and make Fairfax County a safer place for everyone. For more information or to schedule a free security assessment, contact your local district station today.

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

For ongoing updates, please read our blog and follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD