[Editor's note: this has been adapted from an email by Captain Paul Larson of the Arlington County Police Department]
Everyone:
As we settle into 2006 and recover from the eating and financial woes of the holidays, I am heartened by the low amount of crime that occurred in December. As I glance at the countywide crime statistics and compare them to the Third District, a smile comes on my face. As a county, we were down 10% in Robbery, 7% in Burglary, 24% in Auto Theft and 13% in Theft from Cars in 2005 compared to 2004. In the Third District we were down 24% in Robbery, 10% in Burglary, 30% in Auto Theft and 23% in Theft from Cars. These are incredible numbers. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone by participating and keeping your community safe. Let's keep working together in 2006.
There was crime that did occur in several neighbors. In Columbia Heights West, we have had 2 street robberies that occurred in the 800 block of S. Frederick St and the 5100 block of S. 8th Road. These robberies were committed by 2 white males and a single black male. In these robberies, the suspects walk up behind the victims as they leave their apartment complex and produce a gun. The suspects demand money and flee the scene on foot. We have not been able to apprehend these men, but I am confident an arrest will take place. A third robbery took place in Nauck, in the 2400 block of S. Shirlington Rd. The suspect gave the victim a ride to that located and demanded money to buy drugs. The victim did not have any money, but the suspect took his ATM card. Robbery detectives are currently working this case and I anticipate an arrest.
The wave of destruction of property in the Penrose and Arlington Heights neighborhoods appears to have disappeared. We have not made any arrests in these case, but increased visibility by the patrol officers has made an impact. In Douglas Park, Randolph Elementary School was broken into in the early morning hours of New Year's Day. The alarm went off and officers arrived to find a ladder against the building. When officers got onto the roof of the school they noticed computer equipment and a suspect next to an open air duct. The suspect was arrested and linked to previous burglary at the school in November.
There have been many cars that were broken into throughout the Third District, but there does not appear to be a pattern at this time. We are aware of the problem and have committed resources to try and alleviate the issue. I have attached a map of the crime in December. If anyone has any questions about issues in your neighborhood please let me know and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Have a great January.
Captain Paul Larson
Third District Commander
Arlington County Police Department
1425 North Courthouse Road
Arlington, Virginia 22201
703-228-4097
plarso@arlingtonva.us