Fairfax County Police Department News

Fairfax County, VA – Burglaries can happen at any time, including during the day. Offenders often look for homes that appear easy to access or unoccupied. The Fairfax County Police Department encourages residents to take proactive steps to strengthen security and reduce opportunities for crime.

Here are practical ways to strengthen your home security:

Start with the Basics

• Lock all doors and windows, even when you are home.
• Use quality deadbolts and reinforced strike plates.
• Keep garages and sheds secured, especially if they store tools or ladders.
• Trim shrubs and trees near entry points to eliminate hiding spots.
• Use motion-sensor lighting around doors, driveways, and walkways.

Layering these basic protections creates visible deterrence and limits opportunities for forced entry.

Protect and Document Your Valuables

• Store important documents, jewelry, and firearms in a secured, bolted-down safe.
• Avoid leaving high-value items in plain view from windows.
• Keep an updated inventory of valuables, including serial numbers and photos.
• Review your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to ensure valuables are properly covered.

Preparation not only helps prevent loss, but it also supports investigations and insurance claims if a crime occurs.

Smart Camera Placement Matters

Security cameras are most effective when thoughtfully placed.

• Cover primary entry points such as front doors, back doors, garage doors, and first-floor windows.
• Identify and fix blind spots by walking around your home and noting areas that are not easily visible.
• Mount cameras 8–10 feet high to reduce tampering while capturing clear images.
• Ensure outdoor cameras are weather-resistant and capable of recording at night.
• Consider high-resolution cameras, motion alerts, and proper lighting to improve image quality.
• Using a combination of wired and wireless cameras can be effective, with wired cameras securing main entry points and wireless cameras providing coverage in secondary areas.

Join Connect Fairfax County

Participating in Connect Fairfax County is one of the most effective ways to support investigations in your neighborhood.

Registering your camera location does not give police direct access to your footage. Instead, it allows detectives to quickly identify nearby cameras if a crime occurs. In some cases, residents may choose to share footage voluntarily to help solve a case.

Even if you are not the victim, your camera may capture valuable evidence that helps your neighbors.

Learn more and register for free at https://connectfairfaxcounty.org/.

Schedule a Free Security Assessment

Not sure where to start? Your district station’s Crime Prevention Unit offers free residential security assessments. An officer can review lighting, locks, landscaping, and camera placement, and provide practical recommendations tailored to your home.

Community awareness and layered security make a difference. By taking simple precautions and staying connected, we can reduce burglary risks and strengthen safety across Fairfax County.

For more information or to schedule a free assessment, contact your local district station or email fcpdOutreach@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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