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Message From the Commander
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Welcome to the February 2023 edition of the Franconia Community Report. Please join me in welcoming Lt. Wahid Alam, Franconia’s new Assistant Commander. Lt. Alam has broad professional experience; he’s an exemplary leader and I’m looking forward to his contributions in the Franconia District.
January was a month of hard work and continued progress in the Franconia District; officers responded to 4,489 calls for service – a 13% increase compared to January 2022. Motor vehicle thefts increased last month by nearly 24% compared to January 2022. Our data-driven policing model quickly revealed a trend related to certain Hyundai and Kia models. An investigation into a specific series of these cases in Lorton resulted in several arrests by our Auto Crimes Enforcement Team. Franconia’s crime prevention and outreach team partnered with both vehicle manufacturers, along with Mt. Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck, to distribute steering wheel lock devices to Hyundai and Kia owners last weekend at the Lorton Community Center (WJLA news coverage is here). Fortunately, these cases have slowed significantly since mid-month but are continuing to occur regionally. For more information, contact our crime prevention officer at [email protected] or your local dealership.
The Franconia team remains intensely focused on traffic-safety. Last month, we conducted an enforcement and education initiative to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving. Officers targeted their enforcement and education in areas with a high frequency of crashes attributed to distracted driving. In 2022, the intersections with the highest frequency of crashes were along the Backlick Road corridor and on Franconia Road between South Van Dorn Street and Rose Hill Drive. February’s focus will shift to school-zone safety, specifically on Old Telegraph Road in the area of Hayfield Secondary School. Anticipate additional police activity, especially during arrival and dismissal times.
I’m pleased to announce that Master Police Officer (MPO) John Keenan was selected as our second full-time traffic-safety officer. MPO Keenan will typically work evening and night-time hours but will adjust as necessary to support initiatives and other projects. Look for a more formal introduction of MPO Keenan in next month’s newsletter.
In closing, I thank each of you for your continued support. As always, I can be reached at [email protected].
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John
John Lieb, Captain
Commander, Franconia District Station
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Comments?
Let us know what you think of the Community Report. Are there things you would like to see, not see, or see differently? Tell us about it.
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- New Assistant Commander
- Officer of the Month - Shopping Center Unit Standout
- Financial Crimes - What to Do If You Are a Victim
- Franconia Incidents - Theft from Autos Down, Theft of Autos Up
- Crime Statistics - Calls for Service, Serious Incidents & Arrests Up
- School Zone Safety - Special Emphasis for February
- Officer of the Quarter - A Resource in Complicated Incidents
- Law Enforcement Appreciation Day - CAC and Mission BBQ
- CAC February Meeting - Auto Crimes Unit and Crime Solvers Presentations
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Lt. Alam is New Assistant Commander
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Lieutenant Wahid Alam is the new Assistant Commander of the Franconia District. Lt. Alam has nearly 19 years of service with FCPD and has a wide variety of experience with the department. He has been a patrol officer and school resource officer at the McLean District Station and a squad supervisor and SRO Supervisor at the West Springfield District Station. Lt. Alam worked on policy at Police Headquarters and was the Police Liaison Commander at the Fairfax County 9-1-1 Call Center. Most recently, he was the Assistant Commander of the Criminal Justice Academy. Lt. Alam is also the FCPD Muslim Community Liaison. He grew up in Fairfax County and is a graduate of George Mason University.
Lt. Alam says he is: "excited and looking forward to joining the hard-working officers and professional staff of the Franconia District Station and to being involved in the community."
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Officer of the Month
PFC Selah Rash, Shopping Center Unit
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PFC Selah Rash is assigned to the Shopping Center Unit at Springfield Town Center. On December 14th, Loss Prevention officers from JCPenny observed a female select items and conceal them. The woman was able to leave the store without being identified. On January 6th, the same female was observed selecting and concealing items once again. A LP officer attempted to stop the female however, she evaded detainment by pushing the LP and, again, got away with stolen property. JCPenny reported both incidents to PFC Rash.
An image of the suspect, as well as an image of the vehicle she fled in, was obtained by reviewing video surveillance. PFC Rash worked diligently, utilizing both public and police databases. Once a suspect was identified, PFC Rash attempted to interview the woman; however, she provided false information to evade arrest. Additional investigation was completed to include several interviews, a review of social media, and the formation of a timeline. The results provided the basis for warrants for robbery, obstruction of justice, and several larcenies and the subject was arrested. The criminal court case is pending.
PFC Rash has been with the Shopping Center Unit since August 2022. In that time, she has investigated more than 260 incidents and made 137 arrests. PFC Rash takes a proactive stance and is able to identify suspicious behavior. Her stops often result in recovering merchandise from several stores. For her dedicated and detailed work, she is selected Officer of the Month for January.
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Financial crimes against individuals have been rising steadily. They are fueled by the internet, data breaches, and increases in online financial transactions. Financial crimes frequently involve electronic transactions and criminal organizations. They often originate in other jurisdictions or even other countries. By their nature they require specialized knowledge to investigate. As a result, the FCPD Major Crimes Bureau has a team of specialized investigators who work financial crimes and an online reporting system, FiCOR, to file financial crime complaints. FCPD receives about 4,500 financial crime reports a year.
Some examples of financial crime:
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Check Fraud - mail theft, forgery, counterfeit checks.
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Credit Card Theft and Fraud - stolen cards or online fraudulent charges.
- Construction Fraud - money taken but work not performed.
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Embezzlement - stealing by exploiting a position of office, trust, or employment.
- False Pretense - scams including a government/bank/police imposter, online purchases/sales, lotteries/prizes, computer support, grandparents, puppies/pets and others.
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Identity Theft - bank accounts, credit cards, unemployment benefits.
- Other Financial Crimes - virtual kidnapping, cryptocurrency investing, and many more.
Click HERE for more information on FiCOR and financial crime. If you are a victim of financial crime, filing a report using FiCOR is the most direct path to reach Financial Crimes Investigators, however you may also call the FCPD non-emergency number (03-691-2131).
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For more information about events or for other crime prevention information and assistance, contact the
Franconia District Station Crime Prevention Office:
Crime Prevention Officer
Community Outreach Officer
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Click below to visit the Fairfax County Police Department's
Crime Prevention & Awareness page.
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Franconia Incident Reporting
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In response to community feedback, Captain Lieb has launched the Franconia District Crime Report. The information below is from his most recent postings on nextdoor.
This information is based on initial reports and is not a comprehensive list of every police event.
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Franconia Police District Crime Report - 1/17/2023
BURGLARIES: (Commercial):
● 01/11/2023, 5514 Franconia Rd. (Sunoco). Suspects forced entry and stole items of value during non-business hours.
● 01/14/2023, 6182 Old Franconia Rd. (Dentistry). Suspect(s) forced entry and stole items of value during non-business hours.
● 01/14/2023, 6090 Franconia Rd. (Physician Office). Suspect(s) forced entry and stole items of value during non-business hours.
BURGLARIES: (Residential): None
ROBBERY: 1/10/2023, 7200 block of Commerce St. The offender assaulted the victim and stole cash and a cell phone. Minor injuries reported; suspect identified and arrested on 1/14/2023.
LARCENIES FROM MOTOR VEHICLES:
● January 4th: 7200 block of Lockport Pl. Catalytic Converter stolen from Isuzu Truck
● January 5th: 9400 block of Cherwek Dr. Vehicle left unlocked and items of value stolen.
STOLEN AUTOS:
*Series Alert*
Hyundai and Kia vehicles, notably models from years 2010-2022. Manufacturers identified a potential security flaw that thieves have exploited. Security features have been developed by both manufacturers; speak to a dealership or your vehicle manufacture for further information.
In addition, we remind everyone of tips to help deter auto theft:
- Lock car doors at all times
- Remove valuables from your car
- Do not leave car keys, house keys or garage door openers inside your car
- Never leave your car running unattended under any circumstance
- If you have to leave something in your car, hide it from view
- Park in a well-lit area
- Lock doors to your home
- Keep garage doors closed and interior doors locked
- Invest in a steering wheel lock
- 01/05/2023, 9200 block of Ashland Woods Ln., Hyundai Elantra
- 01/05/2023 – 9200 block of Ashland Woods Ln., Hyundai Sonata
- 01/05/2023 – 7800 block of Lewis Chapel Cir., Kia Optima
- 01/06/2023 – 6700 block of Industrial Dr., Toyota 4-Runner
- 01/09/2023 – 9200 block of Ashland Woods Ln., Hyundai Elantra
- 01/11/2023 –
- 8900 block of Whitsell Way, Hyundai Elantra
- 8000 block of Dulciana Ct., Hyundai Elantra
- 01/12/2023 – 6200 block of Alforth Ave., Honda CRV, keys inside, left running
- 01/14/2023 -
- 8900 block of Lorton Station Blvd., Kia Optima
- 9700 block of Hagel Circle, Kia Sportage,
- 9500 block of Saluda Ct., Hyundai Elantra
- 9200 block of Franklin Woods Pl., Hyundai Elantra
- 7800 block of Lewis Chapel Circle, VW, keys inside, left running
- 9500 block of Saluda Ct., Hyundai Azera, keys inside, left running
- 7800 block of Shephard Hills Ct., Kia Soul
- 9200 block of Ashland Woods Ln., Kia Soul
- 01/15/2023 – 5900 block of Franconia Rd., Kia Niro
MISCELLENEOUS: Franconia Police District - YTD in 2023, Franconia Officers responded to 2383 calls for service, a 6% increase compared to 2022.
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Franconia Police District Crime Report - 1/26/2023
BURGLARIES: (Commercial): None
BURGLARIES: (Residential):
- 1/23/2023 @ 6:26p.m., 7100 block of Kinsdale Ct. Springfield. The victim reported being assaulted by a previous domestic associate who forced entry into the home. Officers identified and charged the offender.
- 1/20/2023 @ 10:56a.m., 6900 block of Caton Woods Ct. Springfield. The victim reported two men breaking into his home via a basement window. The offenders fled prior to police arrival. Detectives are following-up.
ROBBERY:
- 1/24/2023, 6800 block of Springfield Blvd. The offender assaulted the victim and stole cash. A weapon was implied; no injuries reported and parties are known to each other. Detectives are following up.
LARCENIES FROM MOTOR VEHICLES:
- 1/23/2023:
- 5400 block of Ives Pl. Vehicle left unlocked and items of value stolen
- 4300 block of Ravensworth Rd. Catalytic converter stolen from Toyota Prius
- 1/22/2023:
- 7100 block of Silver Lake Blvd. Tires/rims stolen from Nissan Sentra
- 6600 block of Little River Turnpike. Forced entry, locked Toyota Sienna. Items of value stolen
- 1/21/2023: 6900 block of Hamilton Court. Vehicle left unlocked and items of value stolen
- 1/20/2023:
- 5700 block of General Washington Dr. Catalytic converters stolen from Isuzu Truck
- 7100 block of Rainwater Pl. Catalytic converters stolen from Isuzu Truck
- 7100 block of Telegraph Rd. Forced entry, items of value stolen
- 1/19/2023:
- 6400 block of Stephenson Way. Catalytic converters stolen from Isuzu Trucks
- 5700 block of General Washington Dr. Catalytic converters stolen form Isuzu Truck
- 6500 block of Fleet Dr. Alexandria. Catalytic converter stolen from Isuzu Truck
- 1/18/2023: 9400 block of Jenerio Ct. Vehicle left unlocked and items of value stolen
STOLEN AUTOS:
- 1/24/2023 (*attempt*) – 6601 Backlick Rd. (Springfield Volkswagen). Offender was observed attempting to steal a vehicle during non-business hours; arrest made.
- 01/22/2023 – 6500 Springfield Mall. Locked Chevy Silverado
Unlawful Discharge: 1/22/2023, 8300 block of Stationhouse Court, Newington. Officers responded for a report of shots fired. Multiple 9mm casings were located in a parking lot. An extensive search of the area was conducted, no injuries or property damage was reported. Detectives are following-up.
MISCELLENEOUS: Franconia Police District - YTD in 2023, Franconia Officers responded to 3751 calls for service, an 11% increase, YTD compared to 2022.
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Franconia Police District Crime Report - 2/1/2023
BURGLARIES: (Residential): None
BURGLARIES: (Commercial): 1/28/2023, 5500 block of Backlick Rd., Springfield. Officers responded to a pediatric medical facility for an alarm activation. Evidence of forced entry was apparent; unknown whether any items of value were taken. Detectives are following up.
ROBBERY:
-1/28/2023, Backlick Rd @ Skyles Way, Springfield. The victim reported unknown offenders assaulted him and stole items from his pockets. Minor injuries were reported and detectives are following up.
-1/28/2023, 6540 Edsall Rd. (BP Gas Station), Alexandria. Offender entered the store and displayed a firearm while demanding money and cigarettes. The victim relinquished quantities of both items and the offender fled in a vehicle. No injuries were reported and detective are following up.
LARCENIES FROM MOTOR VEHICLES:
-January 31st: 100 block of Loisdale Rd. Catalytic Converter stolen from Honda Pilot
-January 30th: 9400 block of Gunston Cove Rd. Catalytic Converter stolen from Ford F350
-January 26th:
- 5600 block of Bismach Dr. License Plate stolen from Volkswagen Touareg
- 5900 block of Kingstowne Town Ctr. Vehicle unlocked and items of value stolen
**YTD, Larcenies from motor vehicle cases down 26% compared to January 2022.
**YTD, Larcenies of motor vehicle parts cases down 32% compared to January 2022
STOLEN AUTOS:
-01/30/2023 – 5500 block of Malone Ridge St. Kia Optima stolen
-01/30/2023 – 7000 block of Old Keene Mill Rd. Hyundai Tucson stolen
-01/30/2023 – 6500 block of Amherst Ave. GMC Cargo Truck stolen
**YTD, motor vehicle thefts up 24% compared to January, 2022.
MISCELLENEOUS: Franconia Police District - YTD in 2023, Franconia Officers responded to 4489 calls for service, a 13% increase, YTD compared to January 2022.
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REMINDER:
Please be vigilant & report any suspicious activity in your neighborhood
Anyone with information pertaining to cases is asked to contact Crime Solvers by one of the methods below. If the information provided results in an arrest and indictment, apprehension of a fugitive or the recovery of stolen property or seizure of illegal drugs, a cash reward ranging between $100 to $1000 is paid to the tipster.
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By Phone -1-866-411-TIPS ( 866-411-8477);
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By Text - Send a text message to 847411, then type the keyword "FCCS" add a space, type your tip info and hit send;
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By web - Click HERE; or,
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Download our Mobile tip411 App "Fairfax Co Crime Solvers."
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Calls for Service and Crime Statistics
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Due to scheduling difficulties, the usual detailed monthly Calls for Service, Incident and Arrest reports have not been available for Community Report publication. They will be published when available. Below are summary statistics as of January 31st, 2023.
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Incidents and Calls for Service Trends
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January 2023 Calls for Service increased in every category with a total increase of 13% over the previous year.
Incidents increased for January 2023 in both Group A and Group B with a total increase of 7%
January 2023 Arrests increased in every category with a total increase of 120% over previous years. Group A (more serious) Arrests increased 168% over prior years.
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To see the call types included in each category click HERE.
For information on how these statistics are compiled click HERE.
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Group A incidents are more serious offenses as designated by the National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS). For a full description of Groups A and B click HERE.
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Franconia Police District News
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Throughout February, Franconia officers will be placing special emphasis on school zone safety. Below are some reminders of traffic laws relating to school zones and students. Click on the underlined text for more detail on each item.
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Franconia
Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
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Master Police Officer Steven Kaganowich is a 21-year Fairfax County Police Department veteran. He is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and extremely helpful in complicated cases that arise in the district.
One such case was a suspicious event. It started as a 9-1-1 hangup with only a possible GPS location. As officers started that location, an additional 9-1-1 call came in from the same mobile phone claiming an assault. With two different locations, MPO Kaganowich went to the address of the second call. The victims at first alleged it was a road rage incident, but their story quickly fell apart. MPO Kaganowich was able to comfort them and dispel their concern about being in the country illegally. He told them their legal status was not an issue, if they were victims of a crime he was there to help. With new information, he called the officers at the first location who were then able to make an arrest for malicious wounding. MPO Kaganowich's superb interviewing techniques and communication skills made a case that could have been very complicated easier.
Later in that same shift, there was a violent domestic case that involved another mobile phone call and ended with an ESRO (Emergency Substantial Risk Order) involving multiple weapons. This was also a 9-1-1 call in which the female victim claimed her husband had choked her and tried to prevent her from calling 9-1-1. The male subject had left but returned while MPO Kaganowich was aiding officers in their investigation. He assisted in taking the subject into custody and contacting victim services. While the primary officer took the subject to the magistrate, MPO Kaganowich obtained the ESRO. Once the ESRO was served, MPO Kaganowich collected all the firearms and brought them back to the station to be placed into evidence. With his assistance, a domestic abuser was off the street, his firearms taken away, and officers were able to get their case completed in a timely manner.
MPO Kaganowich is known to traverse the whole district in a single tour. He often checks on crossing guards as they are at work. The crossing guards, parents, children, and community members appreciate his appearances at their school crossings. His outgoing and jovial personality helps build rapport. It is this type of policing that is not seen in statistics but is noticed by community members and co-workers.
MPO Kaganowich is an asset to the Fairfax County Police Department and the officers of Franconia District Station. He is a perfect example of the Master Police Officer rank. For all these reasons, MPO Kaganowich is the Citizens Advisory Committee officer of the quarter.
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Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
January 9th is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day every year. This year the CAC recognized the date by providing snacks and notes of appreciation from the community. Mission Barbeque provided meals.
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CAC meetings are normally held at 7 PM on the 3rd Wednesday of the month.
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Next Meeting: Wednesday, February 15th, 2023, at 7 PM in the Community Room, Franconia Governmental Center, 6121 Franconia Road.
Agenda:
- Presentation by Crime Solvers by President Kevin Hamaker.
- Detective Matt Wolff of the Auto Crimes Enforcement (ACE) squad will provide an update on recent auto thefts (especially Hyundai and Kia).
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Keep in Touch with FCPD
Information and alerts from the Police Department are available
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Click on the button below for a list of links.
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