Crime & Safety

Unlawful Entry at Clifton Home: Police

Plus how to prevent a similar incident at your home, from FCPD.

Fairfax County Police report there was an “unlawful entry” this week at a home in the 13500 block of Ruddy Duck Court in Clifton.

The incident took place Monday. A resident reported an unknown person entered the residence and damaged property. Nothing was taken.

The following are some ways you can prevent a similar incident from happening at your home; information courtesy of Fairfax County Police.

Find out what's happening in Arlingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Do’s and Don’t to Prevent Home Burglaries

  • DO make your home look like you’re there. Lights turned off and on by timers give your home a “lived in look” when you’re away.
  • DO remove flyers and printed materials left at your front door, porch, or mail box. If they are not removed daily, it shows you are not home.
  • DO have good locks. A high quality, one-inch deadbolt lock on every outside door is a basic requirement.
  • DON’T leave your home unlocked, even for a brief trip to the store or a visit to the neighbor across the street. Many homes have been burglarized in just such short periods of time.
  • DON’T hide a key outside your home. Leave the extra key with a trusted neighbor or friend. If you have deadbolt cylinder locks you must use a key to lock the door, and can’t possibly lock yourself out.
  • DON’T put a name or address tag on your house or car keys. That’s an open invitation to an unwelcome visitor should you every lose your keys.
  • DO plug a radio into a timer set to go on when you’re away. Set the radio to all-talk station, leave the volume low, and give a would-be burglar the impression you’re talking to someone. Light and noise are burglars’ worst enemies.
  • DO have a free home security inspection and be an active participant in Neighborhood Watch. REMEMBER: A thief wants to take the path of least resistance. Your participation in Neighborhood Watch provides the most resistance.

Find out what's happening in Arlingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.