Crime Prevention Information

City of Fairfax Police Department Project S.A.F.E. door hanger, front and back.

Project S.A.F.E.

(Security, Awareness, Focus, and Engagement)

Did you receive a Project S.A.F.E. door hanger from the City of Fairfax Police Department?

As part of Project S.A.F.E., City of Fairfax Police Officers conduct proactive patrols throughout the community, looking for opportunities to help residents and business owners improve safety and security. If you received a door hanger, it means an officer noticed a condition that could potentially make your property more vulnerable to crime and wanted to share that information with you.

If you have scanned the QR code on your door hanger — you're in the right place. Review the checked items below for recommendations you can take to enhance the security of your property, reduce opportunities for crime, and help keep our community safe.

What Was Observed?

If an item was checked on your Project S.A.F.E. door hanger, select it below for recommendations on how to reduce risk and improve security.

Garage Door / Entry Door(s) Unsecured

Unlocked or partially open doors may increase opportunities for theft, burglary, or unauthorized access. Open garage doors can expose tools, bicycles, and vehicles, and may provide access to interior doors leading into a home or business.

Recommendations

  • Ensure all doors are fully closed and locked
  • Check garage door settings and remote access controls
  • Secure interior doors that connect the garage to living or work spaces
  • Consider motion-activated lighting or cameras near entry points
  • Avoid leaving garage doors open when unattended

Unsecured Items on Your Property

Items left unsecured outside may attract theft or be used to gain access to the property. Ladders, tools, bicycles, and outdoor equipment can create opportunities for theft or unintended entry.

Recommendations

  • Secure bicycles, tools, grills, ladders, and outdoor equipment
  • Lock sheds and storage areas
  • Remove or store items that may attract attention
  • Keep valuable items out of sight when possible

Mail / Packages Accumulated

Mail or packages left unattended for extended periods may signal that a property is unoccupied and increase the risk of theft or unwanted attention.

Recommendations

  • Retrieve deliveries promptly
  • Set up package delivery alerts through your carrier or retailer
  • Pause mail service when traveling
  • Ask a trusted neighbor, family member, or employee to monitor deliveries
  • Consider package lockers or alternate delivery locations

Keys Left in Vehicle

Leaving keys or key fobs inside a vehicle significantly increases the risk of vehicle theft and may also provide access to a garage door opener, home, or business.

Recommendations

  • Remove keys and key fobs from vehicles every time you exit
  • Lock doors and close windows
  • Avoid leaving garage door openers or other valuables visible inside the vehicle
  • Park in well-lit areas when possible
  • Remove identifying or sensitive documents from vehicles

Valuables Left in Plain View

Items visible from outside a vehicle, residence, or business may increase the likelihood of theft or break-ins. Criminals often target locations where valuables are easy to spot and quickly accessed.

Recommendations

  • Remove electronics, purses, wallets, bags, and cash from view
  • Store items in trunks, cabinets, or secured locations
  • Close blinds or reposition valuables away from windows
  • Avoid leaving expensive items visible in parked vehicles

Other

Please review the officer's handwritten note on your Project S.A.F.E. door hanger and take reasonable steps to address the identified safety concern. If you have questions, contact the City of Fairfax Police Department.

Crime Prevention Tips

Use the tabs below to find additional crime prevention recommendations for your home or business.

Residential

Home Security Basics

Simple security measures can significantly reduce opportunities for burglary and theft.

  • Lock doors and windows, even when you are home
  • Use exterior lighting and motion-activated lights
  • Ensure your house numbers are clearly visible from the street
  • Consider alarm systems, cameras, or video doorbells

Vehicle Safety

Unlocked vehicles and valuables left inside remain a common target for theft.

  • Remove valuables from sight every time you exit the vehicle
  • Lock all doors and close windows
  • Never leave keys or key fobs inside
  • Park in well-lit, visible locations when possible

Lighting & Landscaping

Good visibility and lighting reduce concealment opportunities and improve natural surveillance around your property.

  • Keep shrubs near doors and windows trimmed low
  • Maintain tree canopies to preserve sightlines
  • Eliminate hiding places near entrances
  • Ensure pathways and entry points are well lit

When Away From Home

Homes that appear vacant may be more vulnerable to theft or suspicious activity.

  • Pause mail or package delivery before traveling
  • Use timers on interior lights to simulate occupancy
  • Ask a trusted neighbor to monitor the property
  • Avoid posting real-time travel updates on social media

Package Theft Prevention

Packages left unattended can become easy targets, especially during high-volume delivery periods.

  • Track deliveries and retrieve packages promptly
  • Use secure delivery or locker options offered by your carrier
  • Set up delivery alerts through your carrier or retailer
  • Designate a trusted neighbor to collect packages when you are away

Business

Opening & Closing Procedures

Opening and closing times can increase vulnerability due to reduced foot traffic and cash handling activity.

  • Check your surroundings before entering or leaving the building
  • Lock doors immediately after closing
  • Use two employees when possible during opening and closing
  • Vary banking times and routes to avoid predictable patterns

Cash Handling

Visible cash and predictable routines may increase robbery or theft risk.

  • Limit visible cash on hand at the register
  • Use a safe and minimize register exposure
  • Avoid predictable cash deposit routines
  • Post signage indicating that limited cash is kept on the premises

Shoplifting & Theft Prevention

Poor visibility and unsecured merchandise increase opportunities for theft.

  • Maintain clear sightlines throughout the business
  • Reduce blind spots and avoid cluttered shelving near exits
  • Train employees to recognize and respond to suspicious behavior
  • Secure high-value merchandise

Lighting & Visibility

Poor lighting and obstructed sightlines can reduce visibility and increase vulnerability, particularly after hours.

  • Keep parking areas, entrances, and walkways well lit
  • Maintain clear sightlines into and out of the business
  • Trim landscaping near entrances and windows

Surveillance & Security Systems

Visible and functional security systems can deter theft and support investigations when incidents occur.

  • Ensure cameras are functioning, well-positioned, and visible to potential offenders
  • Maintain alarm systems and access controls
  • Regularly test exterior lighting and verify all locks are functioning

For questions about Project S.A.F.E. or to report suspicious activity, contact the City of Fairfax Police Department.

Visit the Police Department webpage.

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