Bizarre Theft: Trash Can Stolen From Gas Station Bathroom

FALLS CHURCH, VA—Often we see reports of robbers stealing money or cars, but sometimes more unusual items are stolen. That was the case this week in the City of Falls Church Friday.

According to police, an unknown suspect stole a metal trash can attached to the bathroom wall at Liberty Gas Station ( 702 South Washington Street). The incident happened around 1 a.m., so most wouldn't have been able to witness the strange robbery.

The unknown suspect is described as a white male, approximately 40 years old, with slender build and driving a white Chevrolet truck. Police continue to investigate.

Other notable incidents include more stolen items from unlocked garages and sheds.

Larceny – Theft from Building, 100 blk W. George Mason Dr, Sept 11, 1:47 AM, victim observed unknown suspect attempting to remove a lawnmower from an unsecured shed in the backyard. Police responded but were unable to locate suspect.

Larceny from Building, 300 blk Pennsylvania Ave, between Sept 4 and Sept 13, a

weed whacker was stolen from an unsecured shed.

Larceny from Building, 1000 blk Kennedy St, between the early afternoon of Sept 12 and 7 PM Sept 14, a 2013 Diamondback Sortie1 bicycle was taken from an unsecured shed.

Larceny–Theft From Building, 1500 blk Crane St, sometime between Sept 8 and Sept 15, a red Honda lawn mower was taken from an unsecured garage.

Larceny-Theft From Building, 200 blk Pennsylvania Ave, Sept 17, victim reported that sometime in the last two weeks a weed whacker was taken from an unlocked storage shed.

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The city has seen a spike in these thefts over the summer. Police offer the following tips for residents to avoid them:

While lawn equipment larceny is often a major problem for professional landscapers, homeowners can also be victims. Here are some tips for reducing the likelihood of lawn equipment theft.

1. Put it away. Don't leave lawn equipment unattended in your yard, even for a few minutes. It only takes a few seconds for a thief to exit a passing vehicle and steal your equipment.
2. Store your tools in a lockable shed, garage, or storage unit. Even putting something out of sight can be enough to deter theft.
3. Lock it up. If you can't put your equipment away indoors, or if you're stepping away from your equipment for a few moments, lock your equipment using chains and padlocks. Loop the chain around the handles of your equipment and lock it around a post or permanent structure. An inexpensive bike lock could save you hundreds of dollars.
4. Personalize it. Make your equipment stand out. Stickers, decals, unique paint colors, and other permanent markings can make your equipment easy to track, and also make it hard for a thief to resell. If it's more likely to be noticed, it is less likely to be stolen.
5. Document everything. Keep an external record of equipment serial numbers and other numbers on the tool, such as engine and chassis numbers. Photograph your equipment. Keep purchase receipts. While these steps won't prevent your equipment from being stolen, it will make it easier to track should it be stolen and a thief tries to resell it.

To report information, call Falls Church Police at 703-248-5053.

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