On the above map, the addresses are block numbers, not specific home or business numbers. The following items are from the recent daily activity report from the Mount Vernon Police District of the Fairfax County Police Department.

LARCENIES:

8100 block of Brown Court, cell phone from residence

4400 block of Pembrook Village Drive, camera with case, battery charger, computer cord, flash memory, lens and flashlight from vehicle

The following tips on how to prevent personal property theft were provided by MPO Greg Kotteman at the Mount Vernon District Station:

• Always keep home doors locked at all times.
• Keep everything merry and bright - Remember to keep you exterior home lights turned on all night. (and off during the day)
• Consider using timers on interior lights so you don’t come home to a dark house.
• Keep garage doors closed and be sure the door from the garage into the home is locked. Don’t leave the garage door opener in the car parked in the driveway
• If you order gifts to be delivered to your home, ensure someone is there to accept the package. Have a trusted neighbor keep a lookout for the packages left by delivery companies.
• If you go out of town, make sure you ask a trusted neighbor, friend or family member to check the house at least once a day and pick up mail and newspapers. Provide them your contact number in case of emergency.
• When trash time comes, do not advertise all the newest gadgets and gizmos which have recently arrived at your domicile. Make sure to break down boxes and conceal them from view – this includes computers, phone boxes, tablet and E-reader boxes, TV’s, DVD players, stereo systems, etc.
• Do not open your door to strangers.
• Make sure you keep a home inventory with the make, model, serial number and detailed description of valuables. Take pictures of jewelry and other items which do not have identifiers and keep them with your home inventory.