Police investigate Woodlawn Village thefts, offer advice

According to Belvoir Police officials, the most common crime that occurs at Fort Belvoir is theft of private property, including bicycles, electronic devices from vehicles and money from offices.

Recently, private property was taken from several vehicles in Woodlawn Village.

"In the last several weeks, numerous vehicles in Woodlawn Village were entered into and rummaged through and some property was taken," Belvoir Police officials said. "All vehicles that were reported to us were open, not broken into. The doors were not secured."

Officials said whoever committed the crime, most likely walked down the street, trying car doors to see which were unlocked.

"We do have an open investigation and we're still tracking viable leads," the Belvoir Police officials said. "We don't have a suspect identified at this time."

DES officials noted a few simple steps residents can do to lessen their chance of becoming a victim.

For residents' vehicles, DES said to always lock your vehicle; park in well-lit areas when possible; don't leave valuables such as wallets, purses, checkbooks, global positioning systems or mp3 players in the car; don't use hide-a-key magnets; and use a visible or audible device which alerts thieves your vehicle is protected.

For home security: always keep your exterior doors and windows locked, including garage doors and upstairs windows; secure property in a locked garage or building; keep lights on around your home; don't leave high-value items easily visible; and do not hide keys outside.

Officials also recommend marking high-value items, taking photos of those items and keeping a list of their serial numbers. Officials also urge residents to register bicycles and personally owned weapons with the Visitors Processing Operations Center.

Belvoir Police officials also urge residents to report any suspicious activity.

"It's important if someone sees this activity or has any useful information, please call Belvoir Police at 703-806-3104," police officials said.