Attempted Burglary Investigated At Woodbridge Church: Police

WOODBRIDGE, VA — An attempted break-in was reported Monday afternoon at St. Margaret Episcopal Church. 5290 Saratoga Lane, according to Prince William County Police. Two ladders were found outside the church, one of which was up against a wall. No suspect was located and no property was reported missing.

Shortly after 1:30 p.m., police responded to the scene for a report of a burglary in progress. A woman said she was working inside the church when she heard a noise coming from the front door. She checked it out, found nothing and went back to work. But shortly thereafter, she had a loud thud and immediately called police. After finding the ladders, police checked the attic area and found broken glass and wood.

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Earlier this month, Prince William County Police noted an uptick in burglaries from area houses of worship and offered some recommendations:

• Make sure all exterior doors are locked and have good deadbolts and heavy-duty strike plates.
• For ground-level or basement windows use a safety film or window glazing (UL972 Burglary-Resisting Glazing Material).
• Provide good exterior lighting around the building and in all parking areas. Replace burned out bulbs immediately.
• Ensure all trees branches are trimmed up 6-8 feet, and not to allow shrubbery to grow above 36 inches in height. Landscaping, shrubbery, and tree plantings on this site should not interfere with the security lighting.
• If staff or others arrive at your house of worship and it appears that illegal entry has been made, DO NOT ENTER THE BUILDING. Go to a safe location and dial 911.
• Worship Watch members are encouraged to increase patrols and report suspicious activity.
• If your house of worship is not part of the Worship Watch program, consider joining it. The Prince William County Police Department hosts quarterly trainings throughout the county.
• Contact Crime Prevention for further information at 703-792-7270.

Stay alert to suspicious activity or person(s) and report it to the police 703-792-6500.

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