October is recognized as Crime Prevention Month, and the Prince William County Police Department is encouraging residents to take an active role in reducing crime within their communities. The department highlights that larcenies from vehicles remain a frequent issue, with many incidents involving unlocked vehicles parked in driveways, open garages, and residential areas.
According to the department, items such as firearms, purses, wallets, money and credit cards, work identification badges, phones, tablets, and laptops are commonly reported stolen from vehicles. These thefts often occur when valuables are left in plain sight or when vehicles are not secured.
Residents are urged to follow several steps throughout October to help prevent these types of crimes. The department recommends locking all entrances to garages and closing overhead garage doors at night or when not in use for extended periods. They advise always locking vehicles—even those parked inside garages—and ensuring that cars parked overnight in driveways or on the street are also secured. Thieves can use garage-door openers found in unlocked cars to gain further access.
The police department also stresses the importance of removing valuables from cars parked overnight and bringing them inside the home. Work vehicles should be cleared of valuable items as they can be frequent targets as well. For those unable to park inside a garage, installing motion sensor lights near parking areas is suggested as a deterrent.
Finally, residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity immediately. The department asks community members this October to “Practice TLC: Take Out Valuables. Lock Your Vehicle, Garage, and Home. Call the Police to Report Suspicious or Illegal Activity.”
