Prince George's County Holds Public Safety Forum

 ‘This is About Transparency': Residents Gather for Public Safety Forum in Prince George's County (News4)

In response to the issues raised by attendees, including carjackings, break-ins and property thefts, the latest crime trends, statistics and the solutions being implemented were discussed.

By Dominique Moody, Published February 4, 2023

Prince George’s County residents shared their concerns about crime and pushed for more transparency between the community, local leaders and police at a public safety forum on Saturday. 

People packed the gym at Bishop McNamara High School, looking to get their questions answered from elected leaders and police officers. 

One by one, residents stepped up to the mic, hoping to ignite a dialogue about what they would like to see done to feel safe in their neighborhoods. 

“I personally would like to see more policing. It would be good to see the police come through your neighborhood,” one man said. Others voiced similar sentiments. 

District 6’s public safety forum included a number of state delegates, law enforcement officers and State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy.

In response to the issues raised by attendees, including carjackings, break-ins and property thefts, the latest crime trends, statistics and the solutions being implemented were discussed. 

“We are proposing legislation in Annapolis to try and go after some of these criminal rings. That’s why we’re proposing the RICO [Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations] Statute, those things will help us,” Braveboy said. 

Recently elected county council Vice Chair Wala Blegay said the meeting was the first step to building relationships with those in the community.

“This is about transparency, and this is about making sure people are heard and people feel comfortable. We don’t want anyone in our community living in fear,” Blegay said.  

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81% of Division VII Incidents in 2022 Were Vehicle Related

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Fort Washington Community Clean-Up/Day of Service - Jan. 16, 2023

 From Cpl. Blackwell:

Greetings, 

I trust all is well! We are excited to announce that the Fort Washington Division VII police station is partnering with The Denney House and various organizations for community clean-up day of service. Ms. Khaliah Denney, executive director of the Denney House, has specifically asked us to extend an invite to our CAC for any assistance. The organization is attempting to purchase t-shirts as giveaways to the volunteers and is seeking donations. Ms. Denney can be contacted at: kdenney@thedenneyhouse.org. 

I did inform Ms. Denney we have just concluded our extensive Holiday Initiative and more than likely this may not be a possibility. However, I at least wanted to share this information with the board. 

The Denney House will sponsor a clean-up day in the Fort Washington area on Monday, January 16th, 2023, from 10 am-12 pm. The proposed target areas are: 

• 210 (SERVICE RD/Aragona Blvd)
• Swan Creek Shopping Center and neighboring communities 

This clean-up day is also an excellent opportunity for students to get a few community service hours. For more information and to register, please use this link http://www.thedenneyhouse.org/events. 

81% of Division VII Incidents Are Vehicle Related

Fairfax County Auto Theft Unit Takes on Rise in Stolen Vehicles

Drew Wilder’s News 4 Washington report on December 22, 2022:

With carjackings and car thefts on the rise throughout the area, Fairfax County police created a special unit earlier this year.

Dramatic, new dashboard-camera video shows how the auto theft unit moved in for a calculated capture of a car thief. Navigating the Beltway, multiple unmarked police cruisers boxed in a red SUV. The officers forced the driver of the SUV to the shoulder. The driver was arrested, and a stolen vehicle was off the street.

It was the work of the Auto Crimes Enforcement Team (ACE) led by Jeffrey Andrea.

“There's one thing that violent crime has in common in this area is that most of the time a stolen vehicle is used, whether it's robberies, murders, shootings," Andrea said.

Since its creation in April, the ACE team has recovered 84 stolen vehicles, made 78 arrests resulting in more than 400 charges and recovered 17 guns. Many of those firearms weren't recovered during takedowns but from stolen vehicles at car dealerships. Car thieves are stealing vehicles, changing the VIN numbers and trying to sell them to dealers.

Hermann Cuardos, the general manager at Fair Oaks Motors, recently tipped police off to a suspicious person trying to sell a call to his dealership.

“In the car they found the person probably had 50 checks all for different amounts for different cars for different dealerships," Cuardos said.

Earlier this week, Fairfax County police recovered a stolen vehicle in Tysons Corner, and the driver had no idea the car was stolen. The driver bought the vehicle from a local dealership that police say unknowingly bought it from a car thief.

Car dealers say thieves are getting more high tech. Recently, a thief went to Fair Oaks Motors, never even put their hand on the key fob but had a device in their pocket that was able to steal the key fob's information, anyway. The thief returned to the dealership that night and stole the car off the lot.  Thankfully, the auto theft unit was able to recover that vehicle and get it back to the dealer.

Residents are being hit hard, too. In October, a homeowner's security camera captured a person going house to house near South Van Dorn and Franconia Road looking for unlocked cars. Four vehicles were stolen that night.

“You'd be surprised how many people, how many stolen cars we have just from people leaving their keys in their car," Andrea said.

Police say its new team has been successful at recovering stolen vehicles, but many of these crimes are preventable.

Police say thieves know how to disable navigation devices, but there are other third-party tracking systems car owners can install that track the vehicle if it’s stolen. Police say if a vehicle is stolen, do not attempt to track it yourself. Call police and let them recover it.

Division VII Police Brightening the Holidays - Thanks to You!

From Corporal Blackwell:

Greetings,
In partnership with the CAC and Greater Expectations Outreach Ministries, the Fort Washington Division VII community engagement unit provided produce boxes and gift cards to the local seniors at the Fort Washington Adventist Apartments. The officers also sponsored a family of 6 with gifts and groceries for the holiday season.

On behalf of the recipients and our department, thank you for your continued support and generosity. Our holiday initiative wouldn't be possible without your partnership and community assistance. I hope your holiday is filled with love, peace, and joy.

Happy Holidays!