Crime Alerts

 

“Run, Hide, Fight”: 

 

A professionally produced video released by the City of Houston, Texas gives sound advice to citizens faced with an active shooter.  The Chevy Chase Village Police Department recommends that you take 6 minutes to watch this short film; it may prove to be valuable to you or your loved ones. 

 

The link to Run, Hide, Fight is below:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VcSwejU2D0

***

Crime Activity for the Week of February 18, 2013

1 auto-related attempt theft

PLEASE REMOVE ALL VALUABLES FROM SIGHT WHEN YOU PARK

Grafton Street between the Circle and Cedar Parkway:  An unlocked car parked in the driveway was entered and rifled through; nothing taken. 

PLEASE REMOVE ALL VALUABLES FROM SIGHT WHEN YOU PARK, and

PLEASE LOCK YOUR CAR EVERY TIME YOU PARK!!

 

Village Officers Continue Door-to-Door Crime Prevention Campaign

Officers will be knocking on doors on Saturdays and Sundays to give Village-specific crime prevention advice

On weekends between 11am and 430pm, Village police officers are knocking on doors to greet you with a 1-page flyer which contains a very straightforward recipe for preventing crime in our community.  Please give our finest two minutes of your valuable time—but most importantly, please follow the advice that they will provide!

 

***

Friday, February 22, 2013

Update to February 20, 2013 Urgent Alert:

The Montgomery County Police Department conducts follow-up investigations for the Chevy Chase Village Police Department, and they are following a solid lead regarding the identity of the driver of a light blue or gray minivan who approached a young woman on Kirkside Drive on Tuesday evening (Feb. 19).  More information will be disseminated when it becomes available.  For those who did not receive Wednesday’s Urgent Alert, the story is repeated, below: 

 

***

On Tuesday evening (Feb. 19) at 7:00 p.m., a young woman who works in the Village reported to police that, as she walked south on Kirkside Drive near the intersection with Grove Street, she noticed that a light blue or grey minivan was driving very slowly behind her.  As the woman pulled out her cell phone to take a photo of the vehicle, the driver got out of the minivan and walked briskly directly toward the woman.  Intinctively, she ran to a nearby friend’s house and went inside.  Village police were on the scene very quickly, but the van had already driven off.  The vehicle is possibly a light blue or gray older Honda minivan described as ‘beat up.’

 

*The suspect is described as follows:

*Hispanic male, 25-30 years old

*Short ‘buzzed’ haircut, no facial hair

*Wearing blue jeans and a T-shirt (unknown color shirt)

 The victim also reported that over the preceding couple of weeks, she had noticed a white panel van driving slowly behind her in that same section of Kirkside, however yesterday’s event was the only one in which she was approached.

 

Village police have alerted both County and DC police, and Village officers will be working diligently to locate and identify the suspect.  Residents are advised to stay alert especially when walking in the evening hours.  Village police urge residents to call 301-654-7300 immediately whenever they see something suspicious.

***

February 20, 2013

Suspicious Hispanic Male in the 5500 Block of Kirkside Drive

On Tuesday evening (Feb. 19) at 7:00 p.m., a young woman who works in the Village reported to police that, as she walked south on Kirkside Drive near the intersection with Grove Street, she noticed that a light blue or grey minivan was driving very slowly behind her. The minivan was also southbound on Kirkside, but the van crept slowly as it kept pace with her. At one point, the driver shone a flashlight at the woman. As the woman pulled out her cell phone to take a photo of the vehicle, the driver got out of the minivan and walked briskly directly toward the woman. Intinctively, she ran to a nearby friend's house and went inside. The friend also saw the man, and he soon returned to the van and drove off. Village police were on the scene very quickly, but the van had already driven off. The vehicle is possibly a light blue or gray older Honda minivan described as ‘beat up.'

The suspect is described as follows:

*Hispanic male, 25-30 years old

*Short ‘buzzed' haircut, no facial hair

*Wearing blue jeans and a T-shirt (unknown color shirt)

The victim also reported that over the preceding couple of weeks, she had noticed a white panel van driving slowly behind her in that same section of Kirkside, however yesterday's event was the only one in which she was approached.

Village police have alerted both County and DC police, and Village officers will be working diligently to locate and identify the suspect. Residents are advised to stay alert especially when walking in the evening hours. Village police urge residents to call 301-654-7300 immediately whenever they see something suspicious.

***

Crime Activity for the Week of February 4, 2013

3 auto-related thefts - 2 of them involved broken windows

PLEASE REMOVE ALL VALUABLES FROM SIGHT WHEN YOU PARK

* 100 block of East Lenox: A large rock was used to break a hole in a side window of a SUV parked on the street in front of the residence.  GPS, a wallet, and $40 was taken.  The iginition switch was destroyed.

* West Kirke between Magnolia and Cedar: Unknown object used to break a side window on a SUV parked on the street in front of the residence.  Charger cord for an iPhone taken.

* Grafton Street between Cedar and Kirkside: Thieves stole part of the front grille from a sedan parked on the street.

PLEASE REMOVE ALL VALUABLES FROM SIGHT WHEN YOU PARK, and PLEASE LOCK YOUR CAR EVERY TIME YOU PARK!!!

***

Crime Activity for the Week of January 28, 2013

First 2 Unlocked Cars Entered in 2013; Nothing Taken
PLEASE LOCK YOUR CAR EVERYTIME YOU PARK!!

Two locations: 4100 block of Oliver and 5500 block of Park

Overnight Wednesday/Thursday, two unlocked cars, both parked in their respective driveways, were entered and thieves rifled through the cars' contents.  Two dollars worth of quarters were removed from a car on the 4100 block of Oliver Street, and nothing was taken from a car in the 5500 block of Park Street.

PLEASE LOCK YOUR CARS EVERYTIME YOU PARK

Village Officers Continue Door-to-Door Crime Prevention Campaign
Officers will be knocking on doors on Saturdays and Sundays to give Village-specific crime prevention advice

On weekends between 11am and 4:30pm, Village police officers are knocking on doors to greet you with a 1-page flyer which contains a very straightforward recipe for preventing crime in our community.  Please give our finest two minutes of your valuable time - but most importantly, please follow the advice that they will provide.

***

January 30, 2013

2 Morning Residential Burglaries in Nearby Areas

On Friday, 1/18/13 and again on Monday, 1/28/13, homes in nearby neighborhoods were broken into during the morning hours between 7:45 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.

• The first event occurred in the 4600 block of Hunt Avenue in Chevy Chase (off of Wisconsin Avenue west of Chevy Chase Country Club) on January 18 at 8:30 a.m. when the victim homeowner left the residence for a jog leaving her teenage son asleep upstairs. The son awoke to a black male in his room, and the suspect fled. The son ran to a window and observed two black males flee to a gray Nissan Quest minivan. The suspects obtained electronic items and money before fleeing. The first suspect is described as a black male, 18-25 years old, 6'00”-6'03”, 200-220 pounds. The second suspect was also tall but was wearing black gloves, a black hoodie and a black beanie-style cap.

• The second burglary occurred in the 5200 block of Hampden Lane in Bethesda on Monday, January 28 at 7:45 a.m. The below-pictured vehicle—it appears to be a Dodge Intrepid or Stratus—was seen leaving the scene of the crime. The car was believed to be occupied by the burglar described as a black male believed to be in his 20's. In this event, the homeowners were out of town and the suspect made entry via a side window and then ransacked the home once inside. The burglar found a safe on the second floor, and he shoved it down the stairs; the safe's door did not open. The safe was left behind, and it is unknown at this time what might have been stolen.

Residents are urged to be vigilant during their morning routines, and to call the police immediately if they see any unusual activity in their neighborhood.

 

 ***

Crime Activity for the Week of January 7, 2013

 

Packages taken from front porch

100 block of E. Lenox: Resident checked on the status of 2 packages that she was expecting; tracking software reported that the 2 packages were delivered, but the resident did not receive them.

 

Video of thief entering an unlocked car

Click on the below YouTube video link of a thief entering an unlocked car on December 31 in the 8600 block of Village Park Terrace near the intersection of Jones Bridge Road & Connecticut Avenue

 

Please, please lock your car doors every time you park your car!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6JZiqtR3jPE

***

January 11, 2013

2013 Crime Prevention Campaign Kickoff

 

Crime in the Village continues to be very low in all categories save one: thefts from unlocked cars at night.  We recorded 67 thefts in 2011 and 97 in 2012—that’s a 40% increase in a single year.  We have arrested and successfully prosecuted several thieves this year, and while the pace of thefts has slowed since the arrests, they continue.  The common denominator to these thefts is the unlocked car parked overnight.  I urge each of you to help us eliminate these thefts by doing a few simple things:

 

1. Lock your car every time you park.

2. Remove all valuables from your car.

3. Leave your front porch light on all night long.

4. Call the police whenever you see or hear anything suspicious.

 

Your police department will continue to do its part to deter and detect these criminals, but our job is much harder without your assistance.  If you follow the above rules, I am confident that we will dramatically reduce our theft numbers. 

 

Beginning on Saturday, January 12, Village police officers will be going door to door on Saturday and Sunday afternoons to deliver a brief crime prevention message with a 1-page flyer.  Please expect to see their smiling faces at your front door in the near future!

 

Here’s wishing all of our residents a happy and safe New Year!

***

2nd Conviction in Daytime Thefts from

Construction Vehicles

Village, County and D.C. Police Collaborated in Making the Arrest

 

   On Tuesday, September 18 at about 10:30 a.m., a contractor arrived to begin work on a home in the 5600 block of Kirkside Drive.  He left his pickup truck unlocked.  Shortly after he arrived, he was returning to his truck when he noticed a black male inside the cab of his truck.  When the suspect saw the contractor approach, the suspect ran away and jumped into the front passenger seat of a black GMC sport utility vehicle bearing DC tags.  The suspect had stolen the contractor’s laptop computer and his GPS, but the suspect discarded the stolen items as he got into the SUV.  The SUV, driven by an accomplice, quickly drove out of sight down Montgomery Street.  The contractor was able to get the tag number of the SUV and he reported the crime to the Chevy Chase Village Police Department.  Village officers responded to the scene and met with the victim. 

 

   Village police provided the Metropolitan Police Department with the description of the suspect’s SUV and the tag number.  At about 1:00 p.m., officers from DC’s 4th District spotted the SUV occupied by both suspects, and they stopped the car on Georgia Avenue NW.  Village police officer James Timmerman and Montgomery County Detective Marc Frazier went to the scene of the traffic stop to assist with the investigation.  Additional suspected stolen property was observed inside the SUV.  Investigation revealed that the two suspects had also stolen items from another contractor’s truck on W. Lenox Street that same day.  Following the execution of a search warrant by Detective Frazier, both suspects were charged with multiple theft-related crimes, and their trials were scheduled separately.

 

   On January 10, as Village Corporal Tiedemann and Village Officer Timmerman waited to testify against Cedric Billy Coleman, 24, of Washington, D.C, he pled guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Commit Theft Under $1,000.  He was sentenced to 18 months in jail with all 18 months suspended; he will be on probation for 1 year.  If he violates his probation, he may be sent to jail for up to 18 months.  At the time of sentencing, Coleman was pending two additional criminal trials for cases occurring in other Maryland jurisdictions.

On December 3, the first defendant in this case, Deondray Darnell Osborne, pled guilty and was sentenced.

***

Crime Activity for the Week of December 17, 2012

No Thefts This Week!

***

Crime Activity for the Week of December 10, 2012

No Thefts This Week!

Crime Alert!

Due to a seasonal spike in street robberies near public transit stations, the Metropolitan (DC) Police Department has been handing out cards which contain robbery prevention advice.  Many Village residents use the Metro subway system, and they are advised to remain alert as they walk home from after getting off of the train. 

 

DC police report that, similar to this time last year, the thieves have been targeting distracted pedestrians.  The robbers have been stealing cash and electronic devices from victims who are talking on their phones, texting, listening to their devices using earbuds, or otherwise aren’t paying attention to their surroundings.

 

The Village Police Department urges residents to walk with their heads up, looking around, with their eyes and ears wide open.  If something doesn’t feel right, trust that instinct and immediately go into a busy public place such as a store or other business.  Call the police if you something/someone makes you suspicious.

***

December 13, 2012

Thefts of Recently-Delivered Packages in the Town of Chevy Chase

 

            Between noon and 2:00 p.m. today (Thursday, December 13, 2012), there were 3 thefts of recently-delivered packages from front porches in the Town of Chevy Chase just north of the 4-H Center.  Two of the incidents occurred on Virgilia Street, and the third occurred about a block away on Underwood Street.

 

            Please bring packages inside your home as quickly as possible, and stay alert for signs of suspicious persons or vehicles.  If you have even the slightest reason to be suspicious, please call the Village Police Department immediately (301-654-7300) so that officers may be dispatched and investigate.

 

*** 

Crime Activity for the Week of December 3, 2012

1 Unlocked Car Entered

Primrose Street between Connecticut Avenue and Brookville Road:  Unlocked car parked on the street; car entered, rummaged through, nothing taken.

***

Crime Activity for the Week of November 26, 2012

No reported crime this week.  Hurray!

***

November 26, 2012

 

Scammers Target Seniors with Medicare-Related Fraud

 

On Monday, November 26, 2012, a Village resident received a telephone call from a man claiming to be with a company entitled “YSM Discount Medical Program for Seniors.”  He recited the resident’s bank account number and he said he needed her to confirm the account number.  He said that the call was a part of the federal government’s ‘new Medicare program,’ and YSM Discount would be issuing a supplemental Medicare card.  The caller put pressure on the resident by telling her that she must cooperate or she might lose her Medicare benefits.  The caller provided a call back number of 866-238-1695.

 

The resident grew very suspicious and she hung up on the caller.  She quickly called her bank and suspended all activity on her accounts; she has sustained no loss at this writing.

 

The Chevy Chase Village Police Department quickly learned that the number provided has been linked to similar scams and complaints in other states.  When Village police called the number, a rude, fast-talking woman answered with a heavy accent.  When asked about the program, she gave circular, meaningless answers.  When pressed further, she ultimately hung up on the police officer.

 

Residents are reminded to protect themselves from telephone scam artists with the following strategies:

 

• Never provide any information to someone who calls you.
  
• Get information from the caller:  Ask for their name, mailing address, website address, phone number, and the name of a supervisor.
  
• Register your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry at www.DoNotCall.govor by calling 888-382-1222.
  
• Report suspicious callers to the Village Police Department, to the Maryland Attorney General’s Office at 888-743-0023, and to the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357.
  

 ***

November 16, 2012

Montgomery County Police Warn of Pick Pockets Targeting Elderly Victims

 

 

During the past month, the Montgomery County Police received reports of three similar pick pocketing incidents at grocery stores all involving elderly victims.  Two of the events occurred at the same Trader Joe’s store at 6831 Wisconsin Avenue and the third occurred at the Giant Food store located at 10400 Old Georgetown Road.

 

All of the events occurred during the afternoon hours on weekends, with the first incident occurring on Saturday 10/20 at Trader Joe’s and the other two both occurring on Sunday 11/11 (one at each location).

 

In all three incidents, the suspect(s) would distract the victim by dropping something, stepping on the victim’s foot, or asking for assistance, and while the victim’s attention was diverted, they would steal the victim’s wallet. 

 

While two incidents appeared to involve one suspect and the third involved a team of two suspects working together, all of the suspect descriptions were somewhat similar.  All of the suspects were described as black males, 40-55 years old, 5’7”-6’ in height, and weighing 200-230 lbs.

***

Mail Theft Leads to Identity Theft

 

Residents are Urged Not to Leave Outgoing Mail in Their Mail Slots/Boxes

 

Last month, the Chevy Chase Village Police Department received a report of outgoing mail theft from a resident’s mail slot.  The mail was left for the postal carrier, but it is believed that the outgoing mail was stolen before it was collected by the carrier.  The resident discovered the crime when he learned that a check from the outgoing mail had been altered and cashed by a thief.  Today, Village officers received a call for an attempted theft of funds from a resident’s bank account that may have been set in motion by stolen mail from the resident’s mail box.

 

For many years, residents have routinely placed their outgoing mail in their mail slot or in their mail box to be picked up by the postal carrier.  The Village Police Department strongly recommends that residents stop this practice immediately.  We recognize that it is very convenient to leave your mail outside for the carrier, but with the prevalence of identity theft and related fraud, leaving outgoing mail where it can be taken by a thief is a very risky thing to do.  For your own protection, we urge you to place your outgoing mail in one of the many blue USPS mail boxes that are conveniently located throughout the Village, or drop it at any post office.

*** 

November 13, 2012

In D.C. and Friendship Heights, Daytime House Break-Ins

Entry is made by breaking small basement windows

 

While Chevy Chase Village has not experienced any recent burglaries, residents should be aware that there have been several recent home break-ins in Chevy Chase D.C. and in Montgomery County in the area near the intersection of Western Avenue and River Road.  All of these events occurred during daytime hours.  The burglar(s) have made entry by breaking the glass of a basement window toward the rear of the houses.

 

The Chevy Chase Village Police Department urges residents to do the following:

 

• Call the Village police whenever you see an unfamiliar person walking through the Village, especially if the individual enters a yard of a home.  Officers will gladly respond and investigate.
• Lock all doors and windows and activate your burglar alarm.  We recommend locking your doors even when you are at home.
• If you come home and it appears that someone may have been inside your home, touch nothing, leave your home and call 9-1-1 immediately.

***

Crime Activity for the Week of November 5, 2012

4 Unlocked Vehicles Entered

* Unit block of East Lenox Street: Car was parked on the street.  Approximately $4 in quarters stolen.

* 2 cars (at different addresses) in the unit block of Grafton Street: Cars were parked in their respective driveways.  Coins taken from one, nothing taken from the other.

* Unit block of West Melrose Street: Car was parked on the street.  $5 in cash and coins stolen.

***

Crime Activity for the Week of October 15, 2012

9 Unlocked Vehicles Entered
All of the below events occurred overnight between
Tuesday, October 16 and Wednesday, October 17

*  5400 block of Center Street:  Four vehicles were entered and a GPS charger was taken.  All vehicles were parked in driveways.

*  5500 block of Grove Street:  A vehicle parked in the driveway was entered and change was taken.

*  5700 block of Kirkside Drive:  A vehicle parked in the driveway was entered and a smart phone was taken.

*  5500 block of Montgomery Street:  A vehicle parked in the driveway was entered.  Nothing was taken.

*  3900 block of Oliver Street:  A vehicle parked on the street was entered and change was taken.

*  4000 block of Oliver Street:  A vehicle parked on the street was entered and change was taken.

---

Transient Criminals May Be in the Area

The Montgomery County Police are investigating two residential daytime burglaries in Bethesda that appear to be the work of transient criminals.  In one of the recent events, a homeowner was working in her yard.  When she went back inside the house, she was stunned to find a heavy-set woman with dark hair inside her home.    The suspect stated that she was looking for her lost dog -- a common story used by transients -- and the suspect then quickly left the house.

In the spring and fall, transients move through our area looking to steal.  These nomads are masters of distraction, deception and fast talk, and they use a variety of ruses to get into your home.  To protect yourself from these thieves, the Chevy Chase Village Police Department recommends the following:

*  Keep your house locked when you are at home -- especially when you are working outside.

*  Decline all on-the-spot offers of home improvement services.

*  Do not allow anyone to enter your property to look for a lost pet.  Have them leave their phone number and tell them you will contact them if you see their pet.

*  Call the Village Police immediately when a solictor approaches you; we will respond right away and investigate the circumstances.

***

Crime Activity for the Week of October 8, 2012

• 100 block of Summerfield Road: A shoulder bag containing sunglasses and a wallet was removed from an unlocked vehicle between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.
  
  
• 5400 block of Grove Street: Overnight a vehicle's window was smashed an a GPS was taken.

***

Crime Activity for the Week of October 1, 2012

6 Unlocked Cars Entered

• Unit block of Primrose Street: Two cars entered (one in the driveway; one on the street); $20 in quarters taken from the car parked on the street, nothing taken from the other car.
  
• 100 block of Primrose Street: Three cars entered; $8 in change taken from a car parked in a driveway; $2 in change taken from a car parked on the street; iPod adapter valued at $30 taken from a car parked on the street.
  
• 100 block of East Lenox Street: One car entered; $5 in change and cloth change purse taken.

Political Sign Theft is a Crime

Unfortunately, election season brings out the worst in some folks.  Occasionally, individuals steal or deface campaign signs.  Such thefts/defacements are criminal acts, and they do harm to the First Amendment rights of the victims.  The Chevy Chase Village Police Department takes such crimes seriously, and officers will thoroughly investigate all such events.  If a suspect is identified, they will be charged criminally.  As the election nears, the Village Police Department urges our residents to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police.  Village officers will respon promptly and investigate.

***

Crime Activity for the Week of September 24, 2012

Theft from Front Porch

• Unit Block of Hesketh Street:  A $100 pair of running shoes was taken from the front porch during the night.
  
  
  ***

Crime Activity for the Week of September 17, 2012

2^nd Guilty Plea for Magnolia Parkway Burglary

As many residents will recall, on March 22, 2012, Chevy Chase Village and Montgomery County police officers arrested 2 (of 3) young adult males from the District of Columbia for a burglary committed in the unit block of Magnolia Parkway.  One of the two pled guilty on July 10 to Conspiracy to Commit Burglary.  The other demanded a jury trial which was expected to last 2 days and it was set to start on Tuesday, September 18.  Several Village police officers and residents were ready to testify.  On Tuesday morning, before jury selection got underway, the defendant decided to plead guilty to the same offense as his co-conspirator.  He will be sentenced on November 13. 

 

We are pleased that the defendants will be held to account and that our residents were spared the stress of testifying in court.  This case came together due to our solid eyewitnesses, a willing neighbor’s security video footage, and the collaborative efforts of Village and County officers supported by our Communications Center dispatchers, and the State’s Attorney’s Office.  I am proud of our folks and grateful to all the others who contributed to this successful resolution.

 

John Fitzgerald

Chief of Police

 

Chevy Chase Village, DC and Montgomery County Police

Work Together to Identify Daytime Thieves

 

On Tuesday, September 18 at about 10:30 a.m., a contractor arrived to begin work on a home in the 5600 block of Kirkside Drive.  He left his pickup truck unlocked.  Shortly after he arrived, he was returning to his truck when he noticed a black male inside the cab of his truck.  When the suspect saw the contractor approach, the suspect ran away and jumped into the front passenger seat of a black GMC sport utility vehicle bearing DC tags.  The suspect had stolen the contractor’s laptop computer and his GPS, but the suspect discarded the stolen items as he got into the SUV.  The SUV, driven by an accomplice, quickly drove out of sight down Montgomery Street.  The contractor was able to get the tag number of the SUV and he reported the crime to the Chevy Chase Village Police Department.  Village officers responded to the scene and met with the victim.  We have had four prior daytime thefts from contractor’s vehicles in the last month or so, and the District has had some, as well. 

 

Chief Fitzgerald contacted Commander Michael Reese of the Metropolitan Police Department and provided him with the description of the suspect’s SUV and the tag number.  Commander Reese relayed the information to DC officers.  At about 1:00 p.m., officers from DC’s 4^th District spotted the SUV occupied by both suspects, and they stopped the car on Georgia Avenue NW.  Village police officer James Timmerman and Montgomery County Detective Marc Frazier went to the scene of the traffic stop to assist with the investigation.  Additional suspected stolen property was observed inside the SUV.  Both suspects were identified and photographed and the SUV was impounded pending a search warrant.  The investigation is continuing in the District and in Maryland, and we expect that Maryland arrest warrants will issue for the suspects once Det. Frazier has completed his investigation.

This is a great example of teamwork across jurisdictional lines.  We are grateful to Commander Reese, and the sharp-eyed members of MPD who spotted the suspect’s vehicle.

Thefts from Autos

 

·         5600 block Kirkside Drive:  Daytime event; Laptop and portable GPS taken from unlocked

contractor’s truck; property discarded by thief and recovered; suspects located in DC and identified; occurred at the same time and is likely related to the below event on E. Lenox Street.

·         Unit block of E. Lenox Street: Daytime event; leather portfolio taken from unlocked contractor’s truck; property discarded by thief and recovered; occurred at the same time and is likely related to the above event on Kirkside Drive

·         Unit block of Hesketh Street: Gasoline siphoned from resident’s SUV parked on the street overnight

·         Unit block of Hesketh Street: $10 in change taken from unlocked car parked on the street overnight.

 

***

 Crime Activity for the Week of September 10, 2012

 

·         Unit block of Hesketh Street:  A resident left a package on the front porch overnight (9/13-9/14) for pick-up the next day by UPS.  In the morning, the resident discovered the opened box and the contents at the end of the driveway.  Nothing taken.

***

Crime Activity for the Week of August 27

 

Unit block of Hesketh Street:  An unlocked vehicle parked on the street overnight (8/28 to 8/29) was entered and gone through.  No valuables were taken.

***

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Possible Residential Burglary Trend
1 burglary in the Village; 3 attempts in nearby areas

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Summary of events:

Since August 8, there have been 4 burglaries (or attempts) in and around Chevy Chase Village; only one was within the Village, two were in the Town of Somerset and one was in Section 3.  We are concerned that this could be part of an emerging pattern.  The four events are summarized below:

  

Date	Location	Comment
8/8-8/9	Grafton between Kirkside and Wisconsin	Entry by breaking small window in back door
8/12	4700 block of Drummond (Sommerset)	Attempt to pry side window; no entry
8/17	3700 block Bradley Lane (Section 3)	Attempt to pry basement window; no entry
8/18-8/20	4800 block of Falston (Somerset)	Attempt to pry several windows; no entry

 

 Prevention Tips:

• Keep all doors and windows locked—even when you are at home.
• Keep your front and back porch lights on continuously all night long.
• Activate your alarm system if you have one.
• Report any unknown or suspicious persons or vehicles to the Chevy Chase Village Police Department immediately by calling 301-654-7300.

Call 9-1-1 if you see a crime in progress and for other emergencies (medical, fire, etc.).


***

Crime Activity for the Week of August 20, 2012

• 100 block of Summerfield Road:  Unlocked construction vehicle parked on street; iPad and GPS taken between 7:40 a.m. and 9:40 a.m.
• 5500 block of Grove Street:  License plate taken from a motorcycle parked on the street overnight.

 

WARNING:  Possible fraudulent solicitor

 

A slender Caucasian male in his mid-20's has solicited homes in the Village and in DC for a soccer team by the name of the 'DC Strikers'.  He has introduced himself as 'Chris Scholz'.  The Chevy Chase Village Police Department believes this is a scam.

 

Prevention tips:

• Call CCVPD whenever you encounter a solicitor.  With the exception of religious or political organizations, solictors must be registered with Montgomery County and the Village.
• Get a good physical description (tag numbers of cars are especially useful), and provide that to the dispatcher.
• Do not give anything of value to a solicitor on your doorstep; get their literature, do your research, and make a decision later.

 

***

Friday, August 17, 2012

 

Residential Burglary on Grafton Street

 

An unoccupied home on Grafton Street between Kirkside Drive and Wisconsin Avenue was burglarized from Wednesday, August 8th, 9AM to Thursday, August 9th, 1AM. The suspect(s) gained entry to the home by smashing a window in a rear door.  It is unknown at this time if any valuables were removed from the residence.

***

Crime Activity for the Week of August 4-10, 2012

Two Thieves Arrested in Joint Effort with Montgomery County Police

We are happy to report that 2 young adult thieves from the District of Columbia were arrested in the Village early Wednesday morning (August 8). As a direct result of the relatively high number of thefts from unlocked vehicles so far this year, we requested the assistance of County Police resources. Ms. Jackie Parker, our Public Safety Coordinator, did a solid job analyzing our crime data, and we provided that analysis to both Village and county officers so that they could focus precisely where and when thieves were likely to strike again.

On Monday, August 7, the county officers joined us here in the Village and they deployed based on the provided analysis. Early Wednesday at about 2am, on their second night in the Village, county officers spotted 2 young males wearing backpacks and riding bicycles on Village streets (Oliver/Grafton/Kirkside). Officers watched as the pair stole a bicycle from a front porch on Grafton Street very near Wisconsin Avenue. In the suspects' backpacks, officers found large bolt cutters, wire cutters and pliers. Officers also found marijuana on the suspects' persons. County officers, with the support of Village Officer Willie Hearn, arrested the pair and charged them with Theft, Possession of Burglary Tools, and Possession of Marijuana. The two 18 year-old suspects were identified and were taken to the county jail in Rockville. The stolen bicycle was recovered and will be returned to its owner after it is processed by evidence technicians.

We are grateful for the able assistance provided by the Montgomery County Police Department.

Unlocked Vehicles Entered (prior to the above arrests)

On Friday night (August 3)/early Saturday morning (August 4), 5 unlocked cars were entered at 4 addresses:

· Unit block of Primrose Street: parked on street; nothing taken; malfunctioning door lock

· Unit block of Quincy Street: 2 cars in driveway; nothing taken

· Unit block of E. Lenox Street: parked in driveway; briefcase and USB cable taken

· 100 block of E. Lenox Street: parked in driveway; $3 in coins taken

Bicycle Taken from Back Yard Shed

Early Monday morning (8/6), a resident in the 3800 block of Bradley Lane was awakened by her dog and the sound of male voices outside. When she peered out the window, she didn't see anything. In the light of day, she discovered that her bicycle had been taken from her back yard storage building.

***

 

Crime Activity for the Week of July 30, 2012

Unlocked Vehicles Entered

4000 block of Oliver Street:  Unlocked car parked in driveway; keys and cash taken

Unit block of West Melrose Street:  Unlocked car parked in driveway; smart phone taken.

***

Crime Activity for the Week of July 23, 2012

Traffic Dispute Results in Assault

Connecticut Avenue and Quincy Street:  A motorist became angry when he perceived that the victim failed to yield the right of way in traffic.  When the victim turned onto Quincy Street from Connecticut, the angry motorist pulled his car in front of the victim’s car and confronted the victim.  The aggressor punched the victim as the victim sat in his driver’s seat.  Minor injury (swollen lip) resulted.  Victim failed to obtain the tag number.  Victim was not a Village resident.

 

2 Vehicles Entered

 

3900 block of Oliver Street:  Unlocked car parked in driveway; nothing taken.

Unit block of Hesketh Street:  locked car parked in driveway; purse was left in view; driver's side window broken; purse and contents were stolen.

 

 

Montgomery County Police Report Two Robberies in the Capital Crescent/Georgetown Branch Trail Pedestrian Tunnel in Downtown Bethesda

 

The Montgomery County Police report that, since July 6th, there have been two similar robberies reported in the pedestrian tunnel that goes underneath Wisconsin Avenue.  Both incidents occurred on a Friday between 7:45 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and involved teenaged male victims who encountered teenaged male subjects while walking through the tunnel.

 

•       On Friday 7/6 at 7:45 p.m., two suspects (one wearing a bandana over his face and brandishing a knife) approached the victim and demanded his backpack. The victim was punched in the face when he refused to turn over his belongings; both suspects then fled on foot.

Suspects:  Two W/M’s, each 16-18 & 5’11”-6’1”

•       On Friday 7/20 at 8:00 p.m., the victim encountered a group of four teens.  One suspect approached and punched the victim in the face, causing both parties to fall to the ground.  Another suspect commented that the victim had something in his pocket; and the first suspect removed victim’s wallet and all four suspects fled on foot.

First suspect: W/M, 17-19, 5’4”-5’6”/130-150 lbs.

Additional suspects: W/M, 16-20, 5’6”, light brown afro

Two B/M, 16-20, 6’

Please be alert to groups of individuals hanging out in Elm Street Park and/or walking through the tunnel during the evening hours (particularly teenagers).  Please report any suspicious situations to the police.

 

***

July 17, 2012

Rabid Raccoon Captured in the Village

On Tuesday, July 17 at about 1:00 p.m., Village Police responded to sightings of a raccoon behaving strangely in the area of East Lenox Street between Brookville Road and Nevada Street.  Officers located the raccoon and captured it in the side yard of a home at the corner of E. Melrose Street and Nevada Street.  The Animal Services Division (ASD) of the Montgomery County Police Department responded and took custody of the animal. 

 

Today (July 19), the Police Department learned that the raccoon was positive for rabies.  According to ASD, rabies is not uncommon in this area or anywhere else in Maryland.  They advised never to approach any wildlife, and to call the both the Village Police and ASD’s animal emergency line (240-773-5900) if you see a wild animal behaving in an abnormal manner.

 

The following additional information is from the CDC: While all mammals are susceptible to contracting rabies, only a few species are important as reservoirs for the disease:  raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes and bats.

 

People usually get rabies from the bite of a rabid animal. It is also possible, but quite rare, that people may get rabies if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, gets directly into their eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound. Other contact, such as petting a rabid animal or contact with the blood, urine or feces of a rabid animal, does not constitute an exposure.

 

When a human gets rabies, it's often because a pet got rabies first.  The good news is that there are things children and adults alike can do to help make sure your pets never get rabies. That way, they will stay healthy and won't cause humans to get rabies.

Things you should do include:

 

• Take your pets to a veterinarian on a regular basis. They will keep your pets up-to-date on their rabies shots, which helps protect them from rabies.Call animal control to remove all stray animals from your neighborhood. These animals may not have gotten their rabies shot and can give other animals and people rabies.
• Remind kids not to go near stray animals and remind them to tell an adult if they see a pet wandering around without any person watching them closely.
• Keep your pets indoors. When a dog goes outside, make sure an adult is there to watch it and keep it safe. Make sure children know not to take their pet outside without an adult around.
• Do not feed or put water for your pets outside. Keep your garbage covered. These items may cause wild animals to come near your yard or house.
• Stay away from wild animals.

 

***

 June 15, 2012

Video of Attempted Theft Supports Light-It-Up & Lock-It-Up! Message

While crime in the Village continues to trend down as compared to 2011, the 2nd District (greater Bethesda) of the Montgomery County Police has recently experienced a significant jump in thefts from auto during the nighttime hours. The vast majority of the vehicles (80%) that have been the target of thieves have been left unlocked. The Chevy Chase Village Police Department and the Public Safety Committee, through their joint Light-It-Up & Lock-It-Up! campaign, continue to urge residents to lock their cars and remove all valuables every time they park—day or night. This single habit—if done by all residents—will dramatically lower the number of thefts in the Village.

At the below link, you will find a short (44 seconds) video of an attempted theft from auto perpetrated by two subjects on April 25 in Olney, Maryland. The video was captured by a home surveillance camera. The suspects tried to open the doors of a minivan, but when they found the doors locked, they simply walked away. Please lock your car.

http://www.mymcpnews.com/2012/05/04/attempted-theft-from-autos-in-olney-with-video/

***

Crime Activity for the Week of May 14, 2012

Burglary just outside the Village ends in arrest

On Saturday evening, May 12, the homeowners arrived at the family home in the 200 block of Oxford Street in Chevy Chase and realized there were lights on that were not on when they left.  Upon entering the house, the owners were surprised to find a suspect inside the home.  The homeowners momentarily detained the suspect, but he soon fled out the door.  Montgomery County and Chevy Chase Village police officers flooded the area, and the suspect was spotted walking near the intersection of Oxford Street and Connecticut Avenue in the Village.  The victims positively identified the suspect, and he was arrested.  Montgomery County detectives continue to investigate this crime. 

 

2 Unlocked Cars Entered

 

·         On Wednesday, May 16 at 4:00 p.m., a resident of Hesketh (the block between Magnolia and Cedar) parked his unlocked car on the street in front of his house.  The next morning at 7:00 a.m, the resident discovered that the car was ransacked and $1 in change was taken from the center console.

 

·         At 4:25a.m. on Thursday, May 17, as a resident was leaving his home in the unit block of W. Melrose Street to go to work, he saw three black males in front of his home, and one of them was near the gate in his fence.  When the person near the gate saw the resident, he moved away from the gate and joined the other two suspicious individuals.  The resident drove off and soon flagged down Officer Hearn of the Village Police Department.  Officer Hearn responded to the area immediately and was unable to locate any of the suspects.  It was soon discovered that one of the resident’s cars had been entered.  Nothing was taken.

 

 

Smart Phones Are Targeted by Quick-Grab Thieves in DC

Avoid ‘Texting-While-Walking’ for your Safety

 

DC is experiencing ‘snatch-and-run’ robberies of smart phones.  The typical thief will approach a distracted pedestrian and will quickly grab the electronic device right out of the hands of the surprised victim, then run off.   The thieves know that when a person is actively reading, texting or listening to music on a smart phone, they are highly distracted and inattentive to their surroundings, making such a crime very easy to commit.  Additionally, please realize that distracted walking increases your chances of being injured by traffic or other hazards in your path.  Please remain aware of your surroundings and avoid texting-while-walking.  

  

Be On Guard for Transient Criminals

These ‘Travelers’ are Thieves and Con Artists

 

It’s springtime.  The weather is delightful, the flowers are blooming, and the traveling crooks are on their way here (if they’re not here already).  These nomads work in groups that sometimes include women and children.  They are masters of distraction, deception and fast talk. 

 

Be wary of anyone who approaches you and offers to do any home improvements including driveway sealing, tree trimming, and roof or chimney repairs.  They will often claim that the work must be done right away to avoid further harm/damage, and they will sometimes quote a price that sounds like a bargain.  If you engage transient criminals to work on your property, they will likely do substandard work, overcharge you, ‘discover’ additional problems requiring more money, and perhaps they will ‘lose’ the check so that you will write another (they’ll cash both).

 

At some point during the work, when you are distracted, one member of their team will enter your home and steal from you.  Other distraction scams include the ‘lost dog’ ruse where two or more women will approach you while you are gardening and ask for your help locating their cute little dog that ran behind your house.  As you accompany one of the women to your back yard, the other will enter your house and steal. 

 

To protect yourself from these thieves, the Chevy Chase Village Police Department recommends the following:

·         Keep your house locked when you are at home—especially when you are working outside.

·         Decline all on-the-spot offers of home improvement services. 

·         Do not allow anyone to enter your property to look for a lost pet.  Have them leave their phone number and tell them you will contact them if you see their pet.

·         Call the Village Police immediately when a solicitor approaches you; we will respond right away and investigate the circumstances

 

***

Crime Activity for the Week of May 7

6 Unlocked Vehicles Entered Overnight Sunday, 5/6-Monday, 5/7

 

•  Unit block of Newlands Street:  Unlocked car parked in driveway. iPod, cash, valuable gift cards, passport, wallet, credit cards, driver’s license.  Wallet and credit cards were recovered in the back yard of a nearby house
• 100 block of Primrose Street:  Two unlocked cars parked in different driveways.  Cars rifled, nothing taken.
• Quincy Street:  Three unlocked cars were entered; one vehicle was parking in a driveway, the other two were parked on the street. 

o   iPod Touch taken from one of the vehicles parked on the street.

o   Nothing taken from the other two vehicles.

***

May 7, 2012

Unusual Letters

This morning (Monday, May 07, 2012), some residents on Grafton Street awoke to learn that someone had left some very unusual letters on their property. As there has been some discussion about these letters on the listserve, I wanted to provide you with an update on the situation.

For those who have not seen the letters, they are unintelligible, disjointed rants. The writer rather randomly refers to a U.S. Congressman from New Jersey, the CIA, Osama Bin Laden, and the Arizona shooting of Representative Gabrielle Giffords. The writer sounds as if he is mentally incompetent.

The Village Police Department has documented the incident, and we have had direct contact with the Montgomery County Police Department's (MCPD) investigators. With MCPD's significant assistance, we now know that the writer lives in Virginia, and he has distributed similar letters in the past. The police have visited him and they have spoken directly with him. Investigators do not believe that the letter writer is a danger to himself or others. The writer has expressed that he wants the public to know of government cover-ups, and that is his mission. Montgomery County investigators will continue to follow up, and I will provide further updates if there are any developments. At this time, I feel that while the letters are certainly bizarre, the writer does not pose a threat to our residents.

John Fitzgerald
Chief of Police

****

Crime Activity Week of April 30th

Friday, May 4, 2012

Suspected Transient Criminals in Bethesda Area

Summary of event:

Location of occurrence: 6900 block ofHeatherhill Road

On Friday, April 27 at approximately 1:00 p.m., the female homeowner was working in her yard when she noticed two women standing near her home. The homeowner confronted the ladies, who stated they were “looking for a lost cat.” The story they told was suspicious, and when the homeowner went inside her home to contact police, the women left the area.

Note: The homeowner stated the women spoke with an Eastern European accent and were possibly transient criminals casing the victim's house. They are described as follows:

 

#1: White female, 55-66 years old, 5'3”, 200 lbs., olive skin
#2: White female, approximately 40 years old, 160 lbs.

Prevention Tips:

This is the time of year when transient criminals tend to arrive in the Washington metro area. Such thieves use a variety of ruses to trick unsuspecting victims into ‘helping' them. Village residents are advised to lock their homes when they are working in the yard, as transient criminals commonly work in teams; while one thief distracts the homeowner, another will enter an unlocked house and steal valuables. These criminals are also known to defraud trusting homeowners by offering to do unnecessary ‘repairs.' Such work is illegal if the workers are unlicensed and/or without proper permits, and their work is typically sub-standard and extremely overpriced. Residents are asked to call the Village Police Department immediately whenever they are approached by solicitors or anyone who is suspicious.

Stolen Wheels and Tires

At about 3:00 a.m. on Monday, April 30, Officer Tan discovered a Chevrolet Suburban missing two of its wheels and tires. The SUV was parked on the street in the unit block of East Melrose Street, and the two wheels on the street side of the vehicle were missing. The SUV was left on concrete blocks. The thieves tried unsuccessfully to steal the remaining pair of wheels, but the curb apparently prevented them from doing so.

An experienced team of thieves with the proper tools can remove four wheels and tires in less than five minutes. Residents are advised to invest in a set of wheel locks ($40 or less) to prevent such crimes.

****

March 30, 2012

Attempted Theft from Auto

On Wednesday evening at approximately 10:25 p.m., an alert Village resident spotted a suspicious Hispanic male wearing a white shirt and dark pants attempting to gain entry into a vehicle parked near the intersection Kirkside Drive and Grove Street.  The car was locked, which foiled the thief's attempt to get inside the car.  The eyewitness called the Village police immediately.  As police officers were en route, a car that happened to be driving through the area spooked the thief, according to the eyewitness.  The would-be thief was last seen by the witness running east on Grove Street.  Police officers searched the area unsuccessfully.  No car was entered, and no property was stolen.  Great work by the eyewitness-and bravo to the car owner for locking the car!

****

March 22, 2012

Village Officers, Assisted by Montgomery County Police, Arrest Two Young Adults for
Magnolia Parkway Burglary

Today, shortly before 2:00 p.m., Village and County police officers responded to a 9-1-1 call for a burglary that had just occurred in the unit block of Magnolia Parkway.  Investigation revealed that three yound men broke into the locked screened back porch of the home by cutting or pulling the screening from the door, then reaching through and unlocking the door to the porch.

Once inside the screened porch, the trio began an effort to defeat the locked French doors that led into the house proper.  Unfortunately for the three burglars, the homeowner's housekeeper and nanny were both at home and the two women startled the three burglars when the ladies went to investigate the noise created by the criminals.  The three yound men instantly ran away upon seeing the two women inside the house.  The three suspects did not gain entry into the home.

The quick thinking women called 9-1-1 exactly as they should have.  The call was broadcast to County and Village officers simultaneously, and officers from both agencies quickly spotted the suspects as they split up and fled in a southerly direction toward the District of Columbia.  Officer Joseph Chung, with his keen knowledge of the Village, hid near the back yards of Grove Street.  One of the unwitting burglars jumped a back yard fence only to land at Officer Chung's feet.  Most unfortunate for the crook.  Based on the accurate description provided by the victims, Chief Fitzgerald located a second suspect strolling in a nonchalant manner on Cedar Parkway near Oliver Street.  County patrol officers, detectives, and K9 handlers worked hard to locate the third suspect, but he managed to elude capture.

Both arrested suspects are yound adults (18 and 19 years old) from Washington, D.C.  At this writing (9:15 p.m.), the two suspects are being processed at the Montgomery County Detention Center by Officer Chung and Corporal Tiedemann.  they will be charged with 1st Degree Burglary, Coinspiracy to Commit Burglary, and other related charges.

Communications Clerk Jennifer Harkins did a fantastic job handling a storm of radio traffic and incoming phone calls.  She was ably assisted by Public Safety Coordinator Jacqueline Parker and Village Manager - Shana Davis-Cook.  The three of them - all either current or former dispatchers - anchored the Communications Center to support the fast-changing situation in the neighborhood while simultaneously maintaining essential Village services.

During the evolving investigation, several residents provided helpful information by telephone or directly to our officers in the field.  This was a true example of Village-wide teamwork.  The Village Police Department wishes to thank our residents, Village staff as well as the County Police for their fine work today.

We will provide more information as it becomes available.

****

March 7, 2012

Robbery on Morrison Street, NW (DC) on Tuesday Night

Last night (Tuesday, March 6, 2012) at about 10:50 p.m., a man approached from behind as he walked in the 3900 block of Marrison Street, NW on his way home from the Friendship Heights Metro Station,  The suspect is described as a teenaged black male with a "soft voice," wearing a black ski mask that covered his face with the exception of his eyes.  He wore a black hooded sweatshirt with white lettering all over the front, black pants and black sneakers.

Without warning, the suspect grabbed the victim's briefcase that was hanging by a strap from the victim's left shoulder.  The strap broke, and the bag fell to the ground.  The victim then threw the suspect to the ground.  The suspect got up and fled without the bag to a nearby car that was occupied by a second individual (no further description).  The car is described as a dark, small car, possible a 2-door Honda Civic.  The car was last seen driving south on Connecticut Avenue from Morrison Street.

Although DC police have made several solid robbery arrests recently, there are multiple groups committing these crimes.  The Chevy Chase Village Police Department recommends the following strategies to avoid becoming a victim of a street robbery:

* Walk briskly, with your head up, eyes scanning, and alert to your surroundings.

* Avoid using ear buds or headphones, and avoid talking on a cell phone while walking.

* Walk in groups whenever possible.

* Trust your instincts; if someone makes you feel uncomfortable, avoid them by changing your direction and increasing your pace; go directly to a well-lit public place if possible.

* Call the police immediately and report any suspicious person or circumstance.

If you are confronted by a robber, give them the items that they want.  Be the best witness you can be and provide as much detail about the suspect(s) as you can remember.  If a car is involved, get a tag number if you can do so without putting yourself in jeopardy.

****

February 14, 2012

Four Nearby Robberies Involving Pedestrians

 Yesterday (Monday, February 13, 2012), four robberies occurred near the Village.  One of the robberies occurred just outside the Village at Wisconsin Avenue and Langdrum Lane (across from the Chevy Chase Country Club) .  Three of the robberies occurred in the District of Columbia: two occurred in the Friendship Heights area, and one occurred in the Tenleytown area.  It appears that all four robberies were committed by the same group.   The Chevy Chase Village Police Department received the below information from the Metropolitan Police and the Montgomery County Police; the robberies are listed in chronological order:

 

From Commander Michael Reese (Metropolitan Police, 2nd District)

 

“On today's date at approximately 5:30 pm there was a robbery of a citizen. While in the 3800 block of Warren Street NW 3 suspects approached and robbed the citizen of personal property. At least 2 of the suspects struck the complainant with fists. The lookout is for 3 black males in there 20's. The suspects fled on foot and at this time no vehicle is associated with this offense. No other information was obtained regarding the lookout.”

 

From the Montgomery County Police

 

At 10:13 PM on February 13, three B/M’s wearing ski masks approached a male pedestrian at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Langdrum Lane.  One of the suspects pointed a handgun at victim and pulled him down to his knees.  The victim yelled and ws then struck with the handgun in the back of his head.  The suspects fled without taking any property when a cab drove by the robbery, apparently scaring the suspects.

 

From Lieutenant John M. Hedgecock (Metropolitan Police, 2nd District)

 

“On Monday, February 13, 2012, two Armed Robberies involving handguns occurred in the Friendship Heights area of the Second District, Patrol Service Area 202.

 

The first incident occurred at approximately 10:15 PM in the 5200 block of Western Ave, NW, close to the intersection with Harrison St.  The victim reported that three armed perpetrators, all displaying handguns, approached her while she was walking within the block.  The suspects then robbed the victim of her cell phone, currency, bank cards, etc.  The suspects then fled the scene on foot, last seen running east within the 4500 block of Harrison St., NW.

 

The second incident occurred at approximately 10:20 PM in the 4300 block of Garrison St., NW, close to the intersection with Wisconsin Avenue.  Two victims reported while walking within the block they were approached from the rear by three perpetrators.  One suspect struck one of the victims on the back of the head with a dark colored handgun. Both victims were then forced to the ground face down.  The three perpetrators then forcibly removed property from the victims to include cell phones(s), currency, and personal papers.  The suspects were last seen fleeing the location in an older model, dark colored vehicle. 

 

The perpetrators in both incidents were described as three black males, 5’10” to 6’0” with a medium build, wearing all black or dark blue clothing.  In both cases, all three subjects were reported wearing ski masks concealing their face.

 

Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to contact the Second District Detectives Office on 202-730-1903, or our Command Information Center on 202-727-9099. Last, it is strongly encouraged that anyone observing any suspicious activity within their community to please contact the Metropolitan Police by dialing 911.” 

***

January 31, 2012 - Gas Station Thieves in DC

The Chevy Chase Village Police Department's (CCVPD) primary focus is crime prevention. The CCVPD is constantly on the alert for crime patterns in and around the Village, and we strive to keep our residents aware of those trends for their safety and security. To that end, the CCVPD has learned that thieves in the District of Columbia are targeting patrons of gas stations. The thieves wait until the unsuspecting crime victim enters the service station or is otherwise distracted as they fill their gas tank. In mere seconds, the thieves steal valuables from the victim's unlocked car, or they steal the car itself. The thefts occur in mere seconds. The Metropolitan Police Department has issued a 2-minute awareness video at the below link; we urge residents to watch it and heed the prevention tips that it recommends.

http://mpdc.dc.gov/mpdc/cwp/view,a,1237,q,562278,mpdcNav_GID,1547.asp

 

***

January 31, 2012 - Armed Robbery Update

Nearby armed robberies have slowed, but no arrests yet.

 Residents are urged to remain on guard.

In the first two weeks of January, there were more than a dozen armed street robberies near the DC/MD line along Western Avenue in the Friendship Heights and AU Park areas. After widespread news stories publicized the robberies, they stopped for about 10 days. Last week, there were two robberies in DC that appear to fit the pattern of the events from early January. The brief details follow:

1. Monday, January 23 at 7:40 p.m. in the 4400 block of Albemarle Street, NW. The victim was approached from behind by a man who displayed a dark colored pistol and demanded the victim's property. The suspect obtained the property and fled on foot. Two other males were standing in the area and fled withthe suspect after the offense was committed. The armed suspect had on dark-colored clothing with a hood and his face was partially covered with a mask. The twoother suspectsalso had on dark-colored clothing with hoodsand their faces were also covered. These two did not display any weapons. All three were described as black adult males between 6'1" and 6'2" with an approximate weight of 190 - 200 pounds.It is unknown if avehicle was waitingto helpwith the flight.

2. Friday, January 27 at 6:45 p.m. in the 3700 block of Windom Place, NW. A lone robber struck the victim in the face and stole the victim's wallet. This suspect was described as a black male in his early twenties, approximately 6'2”, and wearing a dark jacket and pants, and a skull cap or bandana.

Prevention Strategies:

As a reminder, The Chevy Chase Village Police Department recommends the following strategies to avoid becoming a victim of a street robbery:

· Walk briskly, with your head up, eyes scanning, and alert to your surroundings.

· Avoid using ear buds or headphones, and avoid talking on a cell phone while walking.

· Walk in groups whenever possible.

· Trust your instincts; if someone makes you feel uncomfortable, avoid them by changing your direction and increasing your pace; go directly to a well-lit public place if possible.

· Call the police immediately and report any suspicious person or circumstance.

If you are confronted by a robber, give them the items that they want. Be the best witness you can be and provide as much detail about the suspect(s) as you can remember. If a car is involved, get a tag number if you can do so without putting yourself in jeopardy.

***

Crime Activity:  Week of January 30, 2012

Fraud/Identity Theft by Email

A resident reported that he received an email that appeared to be sent from American Express regarding the victim's American Express Platinum Card.  The email contained a link that opened to a page requesting detailed personal information from the victim.  The email was of good quality and appeared legitimate, so the victim provided his detailed personal and finincial data.  Later, the victim received an email warning him of this very scam, but he had already responded to the scam by the time he had received the warning.  There has been no fininancial loss to the victim as of this writing.

Residents are advised to resist providing their personal or financial information to any person who reaches out and makes contact with them - whether that contact is by phone, mail, or electronic means.  Sound fraud and identity theft prevention tips can be found on the Montgomery County Police website at the below link:

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/poltmpl.asp?url=/content/POL/districts/ISB/cid/fraud/index.asp

***

January 27, 2012

PEPCO Sales Persons in the Village

 

The Police Department has learned that PEPCO has a sales force in the Village promoting PEPCO’s energy saving program.  To participate in the program, PEPCO must install a device on your air conditioning unit.  At least one resident reported that the PEPCO sales agent was unscrupulous and the agent tried to get the resident’s consent unethically.  Participation in PEPCO’s program is voluntary; residents are not required to allow PEPCO to install anything without their consent. 

 

***

January 24, 2012

Thieves Steal 1 Car, Rifle Through 6 Unlocked Cars in a Four-Day Period

Friday, January 20 - Saturday, January 21

Theft from auto - First unit block of West Irving Street.  $8 worth of change was stolen.  Resident's unlocked car was parked on the street in front of the house.  On Saturday morning, the resident found his car ransacked.

Attempt theft from auto - Unit block of Grafton Street.  Nothing stolen.  Resident's unlocked car was parked inside the detached garage.  Car was discovered ransacked on Saturday morning.

Prowling - In the first unit block of West Kirke Street and the first unit block of Grafton Street, residents discovered foot prints in the snow on Saturday morning.  The foot prints led into their driveways and up to their vehicles.  There was no sign of tampering in either incident.

Monday, January 23 - Tuesday, January 24

Stolen Auto - Second unit block of West Kirke Street.  Stolen auto.  Resident parked his unlocked car on the street in front of the house.  Victim discovered the car missing on Tuesday morning.

Attempt theft from auto - 3900 block of Oliver Street.  Nothing stolen.  Resident's unlocked car was parked on the street in front of the house.  Car was discovered ransacked on Tuesday morning.

Theft from auto - Unit block of Hesketh Street.  iPod stolen.  Resident's unlocked car was parked on the street in front of the house.  Theft was discovered on Tuesday morning.

Theft from auto - Unit block of Grafton Street.  iPod was stolen.  Resident's unlocked car was parked on the street in front of the house.  Theft was discovered on Tuesday morning.

Attempt theft from auto - Unit block of Hesketh Street.  Nothing stolen.  Resident's unlocked car was parked on the street in front of the house.  Car was discovered ransacked on Tuesday morning.

Residents are urged to remove all valuable belongings from their vehicles and to lock their vehicles every time park.  Unlocked vehicles make it easy for thieves to enter and search for something to steal, and it encourages thieves to return to the Village time and again.  For the greater good, please Light-It-Up & Lock-It-Up!

****

Week of January 9, 2012

Thefts from Auto

Overnight from Monday, 1/09/2012 to Tuesday, 1/10/2012, we experienced four thefts from autos.  Two occurred on the east side, and two on the west side.  In three of them, the thief broke a window to steal things that were visible from outside the cars.  The fourth incident involved an unlocked car.  The details are:

• Unit block of Primrose Street.  Unlocked car parked in the driveway.  Coin purse, change, and a Swiss Army knife were taken.
• Unit block of Primrose Street.  Car was parked on the street.  Driver's window broken.  Men's wallet that had been on the center console was stolen.
• Unit block of Hesketh Street.  Car was parked on the street.  Rear driver's side window was broken.  A handbag that had been on the rear floor was taken.
• Unit block of West Melrose Street.  Car was parked in the driveway.  Rear passenger side window was broken.  Laptop computer was taken.

Copper gutter theft

On Wednesday, January 11, the owner of a house under renovation in the 5600 block of Grove discovered that an 8' section of copper downspout was removed from the rear of the house.  The crime occurred sometime between January 6 at 1:00 p.m. and January 11 at 10:30 a.m.

Fraud/Confidence Scheme - Tree Work

On Thursday, January 12, the adult children of an elderly resident of the 100 block of Primrose Street reported a fraud to the Chevy Chase Village Police Department.  Investigation revealed that, beginning December 8 and ending on January 10, a tree service from Virginia received a total of 10 checks from the resident totalling just under $19,000 for "tree work" on her property.  Montgomery County Detectives will continue the investigation.

****

January 9, 2012

Armed Robberies are Occurring in Nearby Areas

Over the past few days (Friday, January 6-Sunday, January 8) there have been several gunpoint robberies on both sides of the DC/MD line in the area of River Road and Western Avenue. There have been seven such robberies in upper northwest DC and two in Maryland.

In each incident, the victim was walking when they were approached by one or two black males, estimated to be 18-25 years old, armed with a handgun. Purses and wallets have been taken, and the robbers fled immediately after each confrontation. A small, dark-colored sedan is possibly associated with the robbers. It is possible that the suspects are sitting in their car waiting for a potential victim to walk nearby.

Although none of these crimes have occurred in Chevy Chase Village, they are occurring very nearby, and I want all of our residents to be aware of this crime problem. The Chevy Chase Village Police Department recommends the following strategies to avoid becoming a victim of a street robbery:

• Walk briskly, with your head up, eyes scanning, and alert to your surroundings.
• Avoid using ear buds or headphones, and avoid talking on a cell phone while walking.
• Walk in groups whenever possible.
• Trust your instincts; if someone makes you feel uncomfortable, avoid them by changing your direction and increasing your pace; go directly to a well-lit public place if possible.
• Call the police immediately and report any suspicious person or circumstance.

If you are confronted by a robber, give them the items that they want. Be the best witness you can be and provide as much detail about the suspect(s) as you can remember. If a car is involved, get a tag number if you can do so without putting yourself in jeopardy.

****

Friday, December 23, 2011

 

1.      As you may have heard, one of our officers—Deng Tan—was involved in a collision on Thursday, December 15 at about 7:30 p.m.  Thankfully, she is fine—a little sore, but otherwise fine. The other motorist received a minor facial cut and was otherwise fine, as well.

 

The collision was not her fault.  Officer Tan was driving north on Brookville toward East-West Highway when a minivan pulled out from the stop sign on westbound Thornapple right in front of her cruiser.  The collision forced the cruiser to veer left into a curb, then into a retaining wall and a fence.  The police car overturned and came to rest on its roof in the middle of Brookville Road. 

 

The Montgomery County Police investigated the collision and cited the other driver.  Officer Tan was taken to Suburban Hospital by ambulance, and after a thorough check up, she was released. She will return to work the week of December 26.  We look forward to seeing her back in the Village.

 

2.      On Thursday, December 22, 2011, Delonte Anthony Greenwald was arrested on the strength of a warrant by a joint task force of the Montgomery County Police and the Prince Georges County Police.  Greenwald is alleged to have committed thefts from autos in the Village and he is believed to be responsible for burglaries in the area, as well.  He was featured on the Village website in September; the link with his image is below. was

 

http://www.chevychasevillagemd.gov/news/139/Unlocked-Vehicles--Wanted-Subject.html

 

***

December 2, 2011

An unidentified subject is a suspect in thefts from the All Saints Preschool at

3 Chevy Chase Circle in Chevy Chase, MD

 

On December 2, 2011 at approximately 9:15 a.m., the suspect entered the church during the busy morning drop-off period.  He told the receptionist that he was interested in getting information about the preschool.  While staff was busy with the children outside, the suspect entered several rooms in the preschool.  The suspect stole cash and a Metro farecard from two purses.

 

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 6 feet tall and 200 pounds.  He is approximately 35-45 years old, with a clean-shaven head, dressed in a black thigh-length coat with the collar upturned, black pants, and black shoes.  He wore a large silver crucifix/cross around his neck on a chain. 

 

An investigation revealed that he attempted the same scheme at 3 additional churches with schools or preschools right over the DC line: Chevy Chase Baptist, Chevy Chase Presbyterian, and Blessed Sacrament.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chevy Chase Village Police Department immediately at 301-654-7300.

***

November 22, 2011

Dear Village residents:

The below message is yet another crime alert sent out by the Town of Chevy Chase. This latest burglary occurred on Maple Avenue in the Town, which is right around the corner from the Ridge Street burglary that was the subject of my message a couple of hours ago. The point of entry of this burglary—like the one on Ridge—was a rear window of the home. Please keep a special lookout for any unknown person who you may see walking to the rear of a house.The Town put the following message out this afternoon and is being shared with Village residents due to its proximity to the Village.

"An unknown suspect or suspects entered a home through an unlocked rear windowin the7200 block of Maple Avenuesometime between 11/20/11 and themorning of 11/22/11, when the crime was discovered. Once inside, culprits removed several items from the home. No suspects were seen by neighbors. Officers from the Second District, MCP responded to investigate and gather evidence. Follow up will be conducted by Detectives. Neighborhood residents should be alert for unusual persons and vehicles in the Town and report them to police at 301-279-8000 or 911."

Stay alert for anyone who seems out of place. If you see or hear anything that is suspicious to you, please call the Village Police Department right away.

John Fitzgerald, Chief
Chevy Chase Village Police Department

***

November 22, 2011

Dear Village Residents:

 

The Town of Chevy Chase continues to experience house break-ins.  The below incident occurred yesterday.  The 4400 block of Ridge Street is just north of Chevy Chase Country Club off of Bradley Lane. The Town put the following message out this morning and is being shared with Village residents due to its proximity to the Village.

 

"An unknown suspect or suspects smashed in two rear windows of a home in the 4400 block of Ridge St. sometime between 7am and 7pm on Monday 11/21/11. Once inside, culprits removed several items from the home. No suspects were seen by neighbors. A suspicious vehicle was noted by the homeowners when they arrived home, but it has not yet been confirmed if the vehicle is related to the burglary. Officers from the Second District, MCP responded to investigate and gather evidence. Follow up will be conducted by Detectives. Neighborhood residents should be alert for unusual persons and vehicles in the Town and report them to police at 301-279-8000 or 911."

 

Stay alert for anyone who seems out of place.  If you see or hear anything that is suspicious to you, please call the Village Police Department right away.

 

John Fitzgerald, Chief

Chevy Chase Village Police Department

***

November 8, 2011

Larceny From Vehicle

Overnight Monday into Tuesday, someone broke a window out of 3 different cars in Chevy Chase Village, all with out-of-state license plates.  The cars were properly registered.  The only item stolen was an empty laptop case worth approximately $30.  Although it is unusual that our thefts involve smashing car windows, in each of the crimes, we believe (based on the officer’s observations) the thief thought that valuable electronics were inside the cars.  After smashing each window, the thief did not unlock the car doors; the thief simply reached through the open window.  The officer found all of the car doors locked when he arrived.   

Officer James Timmerman responded to all of the events, and he spoke with one resident who heard something outside at about 3:30 a.m.  The resident thought that the noise was caused by raccoons, so the resident turned on some outside lights and then heard a vehicle drive away.  The resident did not call the police.  The details follow: 

1. Theft: 5600 block of Kirkside Drive (between Montgomery Street and Center Street)

• Rear driver’s side window broken by unknown means (window was on the street side of the car)
• Empty laptop computer case was stolen from the back seat (visible from outside of the car)

2. Attempt theft: 5500 block of Montgomery Street (between the dead end and Kirkside Drive)

• Front passenger side window broken (window was on the curb side of the car)
• Nothing taken, but a cell phone style charger was plugged in and its LED light was illuminated and visible from the outside

3. Attempt theft:  5500 block of Cedar Parkway (first block off of Western Avenue)

• Driver’s window broken (window was on street side of car)
• Nothing taken, but a GPS holder was on the floor of the car and visible from the outside if the thief used a flashlight

Important prevention take-aways:

• Remove all valuables from cars and either remove or completely hide all electronics accessories (chargers, cradles, holders, etc.)
• Leave at least one exterior light on both in the front and in the back of your house every night through all hours of darkness

Call the police whenever you see or hear anything at night that gets your attention; we will respond right away 

***

Week of October 16th

There were no reported crimes this week.

***

October 12, 2011

 

Larceny from Vehicle

 

            Unknown suspect(s) broke the door window of a vehicle overnight from Tuesday, October 11^th to Wednesday, October 12^th. The vehicle was parked on the street in the 200 unit block of Primrose Street. Suspect(s) stole a backpack that had a laptop.

 

Please lock your vehicles and remove valuable items to avoid being victims of these types of crime. If anyone has information that may be related to this incident please contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center at 301-654-7300.  Please continue to contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center to report anything suspicious.

***

 

October 10, 2011

 

Unlocked Vehicle

 

            Unknown suspect(s) went through five unlocked vehicles overnight from Sunday, October 9^th to Monday, October 10^th. Four vehicles were parked on the street and one in a driveway on the East side of the Village. Vehicles were located on Primrose Street, Oxford Street and Summerfield Road. Suspect(s) stole an IPod, sunglasses, jacket and loose change.    

 

***

 

September 29, 2011

BURGLARY

A home in the 5800 block of Connecticut Avenue was burglarized from Wednesday, September 28^th, 6PM to Thursday, September 29^th, 7AM. The suspect(s) made forced entry through a side door. Construction tools were taken. The residence is currently under renovation and unoccupied.

If anybody has information that might be related to this incident please contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center at 301-654-7300. Please continue to contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center report anything suspicious.

Re-Instatement of the Neighborhood Watch Program

The second meeting to discuss the Chevy Chase Village Neighborhood Watch program will be held at the Village Hall on Monday, October 3^rd at 7:00 PM. These initial meetings are to discuss the basics of the program.
 

****

September 27, 2011

 

BURGLARY ARREST UPDATE

Mitchell Jones

B/M, 04/16/56

5’10” / 205 lbs

Mitchell Jones has posted bail and been released pending his trial for the burglary in the 5500 blk of Montgomery Street. Mitchell Jones has been arrested in the past for other burglaries. If residents see Mitchell Jones in the Village please contact Chevy Chase Village Police immediately at 301-654-7300.

Please continue to contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center to report anything suspicious at 301-654-7300.
 

Re-Instatement of the Neighborhood Watch Program

The second meeting to discuss the Chevy Chase Village Neighborhood Watch program will be held at the Village Hall on Monday, October 3^rd at 7:00 PM. These initial meetings are to discuss the basics of the program.

***

September 23, 2011

BURGLARY ARREST

            Today at approx. 12:27 PM a resident called the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center to report a suspicious subject looking at homes in the 100 block of Hesketh Street. Village Police Officers responded and located the subject in the 5500 block of Montgomery Street. While talking with the subject a resident from the 5500 block of Montgomery Street called the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center to report that a subject entered his home and when confronted, the subject exited the residence. The subject that was being detained by the Village Police Officers was identified as the suspect that entered the home. The subject was arrested for burglary and trespassing. There was no forced entry into the home. The suspect provided an alias and the police department is currently attempting to identify the suspect’s real identity.              

If anyone has information that may be related to this incident please contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center at 301-654-7300. Please continue to contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center to report anything suspicious.
 

Re-Instatement of the Neighborhood Watch Program

The meetings to discuss the Chevy Chase Village Neighborhood Watch program will be held at the Village Hall. The first meeting will be held on Monday, September 26^th at 7:00 PM. The second meeting will be on Monday, October 3^rd at 7:00 PM. These initial meetings is to discuss the basics of the program.

***

WANTED SUBJECT

Delonte Greenwald

B/M, 8/17/90

5’11”/180 lbs

 

Delonte Anthony Greenwald has warrants for his arrest for larcenies from autos that occurred in the Village. Warrants are for one count of theft over $1,000 and 2 counts of theft under $1,000. If residents see Greenwald in the Village please contact Chevy Chase Village Police immediately at 301-654-7300.

 

Please lock your vehicles and remove valuable items to avoid being victims of these types of crime. If anyone has information that may be related to this incident please contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center at 301-654-7300.  Please continue to contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center to report anything suspicious.

 

 

 

 

September 23, 2011

Unlocked Vehicles

 

            Unknown suspect(s) went through two unlocked vehicles overnight from Thursday, September 22^nd to Friday, September 23^rd. The vehicles were parked in the driveways in the first unit block of Grafton Street. Nothing was taken from the vehicles. 

 

***

 

September 9, 2011

Unlocked Vehicle

            Unknown suspect(s) went through two unlocked vehicles parked overnight from Thursday, September 8^th to Friday, September 9^th. One vehicle was parked in the driveway in the 5500 block of Center Street. GPS unit was taken. The other vehicle was parked in the driveway n the 100 block of Grafton Street. Nothing was taken. 

 

***

September 5, 2011

Burglary

Today's date at approx. 2:20 AM unknown suspect(s) entered a home in the 100 block of East Melrose Street. The suspect(s)stole a TV, cell phone, wallet and a camera. Suspect(s) made their escape being taking a vehicle from the residence. The vehicle is a bright blue hard top Volkswagen EOS. During the same timeframe a house in 3700 block of Bradley Lane was also entered and rummaged through. Taken from the home was a box that had US currency and a necklace. Entry was made into both homes through unlocked rear windows.

***

August 31, 2011

Unlocked Vehicle

Tuesday, August 30th to Wednesday, August 31st. The vehicle was parked on the street in the first unit block of Quincy Street. A wallet with cash and sunglasses were taken from the vehicle.

Residents need to lock their vehicles. If anyone has information that may be related to this incident please contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center at 301-654-7300.  Please continue to contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center to report anything suspicious.

 

Re-Instatement of the Neighborhood Watch Program

Neighborhood Watch is a community run program with the Village Police providing information and assistance as needed.  Any residents who are interested in participating in this program are asked to contact Acting Chief Adventino Dasilva by email at Tino.Dasilva@montgomerycountymd.gov.  If sufficient interest is demonstrated a meeting will be conducted to discuss program implementation and required training.

****

August 9, 2011

Unlocked Vehicle / Stolen Vehicle

 

Unknown suspect(s) went through an unlocked vehicle parked overnight from Monday, August 8^th to Tuesday, August 9^th. The vehicle was parked in the driveway in the first unit block of Grafton Street. Nothing was taken.

During the same time frame a 2006 Toyota Sienna was taken by the suspect(s). The vehicle was parked in the driveway, unlocked, in the 3900 block of Oliver Street.

Residents need to lock their vehicles and remove valuable items. If anyone has information that may be related to this incident please contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center at 301-654-7300.  Please continue to contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center to report anything suspicious.

 

Re-Instatement of the Neighborhood Watch Program

Neighborhood Watch is a community run program with the Village Police providing information and assistance as needed.  Any residents who are interested in participating in this program are asked to contact Acting Chief Adventino Dasilva by email at Tino.Dasilva@montgomerycountymd.gov.  If sufficient interest is demonstrated a meeting will be conducted to discuss program implementation and required training.

 

***

August 8, 2011

Unlocked Vehicles / Stolen Vehicle

Unknown suspect(s) went through an unlocked vehicle parked overnight from Sunday, August 7^th to Monday, August 8^th. The vehicle was parked on the street in the 100 block of Hesketh Street. Cash was taken from the vehicle.

During the same time frame entry was made into two unlocked vehicles in the first unit block of Hesketh Street. An Ipod and cash were taken from one vehicle. The other vehicle, a 2004 Toyota RAV4, was taken by the suspect(s).

Residents need to lock their vehicles and remove valuable items. If anyone has information that may be related to this incident please contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center at 301-654-7300.  Please continue to contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center to report anything suspicious.

Re-Instatement of the Neighborhood Watch Program

Neighborhood Watch is a community run program with the Village Police providing information and assistance as needed.  Any residents who are interested in participating in this program are asked to contact Acting Chief Adventino Dasilva by email at Tino.Dasilva@montgomerycountymd.gov.  If sufficient interest is demonstrated a meeting will be conducted to discuss program implementation and required training.

***

August 2, 2011

UNLOCKED VEHICLE

         On August 2nd at approx. 2:38 PM unknown suspect(s) went through an unlocked vehicle parked in the first unit block of East Irving Street. A purse was taken from the vehicle.  

          Residents need to lock their vehicles. If anyone has information that may be related to this incident please contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center at 301-654-7300.  Please continue to contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center to report anything suspicious.

 

Re-Instatement of the Neighborhood Watch Program

          Neighborhood Watch is a community run program with the Village Police providing information and assistance as needed.  Any residents who are interested in participating in this program are asked to contact Acting Chief Adventino Dasilva by email at Tino.Dasilva@montgomerycountymd.gov.  If sufficient interest is demonstrated a meeting will be conducted to discuss program implementation and required training.

***

July 9, 2011

UNLOCKED VEHICLE

Unknown suspect(s) went through an unlocked vehicle parked overnight from Friday, July 8^th to Saturday, July 9^th. The vehicle was parked on the street in the first unit block of Hesketh Street. Sunglasses were taken from the vehicle. During the same timeframe entry was made to an unlocked garage in the first unit block of Grafton Street. The suspect(s) went through two vehicles in the garage. Cash was taken from the vehicles.

If anyone has information that may be related to this incident please contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center at 301-654-7300. Please continue to contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center to report anything suspicious.

Re-Instatement of the Neighborhood Watch Program

Neighborhood Watch is a community run program with the Village Police providing information and assistance as needed. Any residents who are interested in participating in this program are asked to contact Acting Chief Adventino Dasilva by email at tino.dasilva@montgomerycountymd.gov. If sufficient interest is demonstrated a meeting will be conducted to discuss program implementation and required training.

***
 

June 22, 2011

BREAK IN

UNLOCKED VEHICLES

A home in the 120 block of Grafton Street was burglarized at sometime between Friday, June 17th to Saturday, June 18th. The house is under construction and unoccupied. Several work tools were taken. A neighborhood canvass was conducted with no results, and the investigation is still ongoing.

Unknown suspect(s) went through two unlocked vehicles parked overnight between Sunday, June 20th to Monday, June 21th. One vehicle was parked in the driveway on the 5500 block of Park Street. The other vehicle was parked in the driveway on the 5500 block of Kirkside Drive. Cash and a phone charger was taken from one vehicle. Comparing this year to the last two years we have had fewer larcenies from autos. We encourage residents to lock their vehicles and remove anything of value.

If anyone has information that may be related to these incidents please contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center at 301-654-7300.  Please continue to contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center to report anything suspicious.

***

 June 20, 2011 

UNLOCKED VEHICLES

STOLEN VEHICLE

Unknown suspect(s) went through two unlocked vehicles parked overnight from Sunday, June 19^th to Monday, June 20^th. One vehicle was parked in the driveway on the 5700 block of Kirkside Drive. The other vehicle was parked on the street of the 3900 block of Oliver Street. Cash was taken from one vehicle.

During the same timeframe a Chevy SUV was stolen. The SUV was parked on the street in the 5400 block of Grove Street.

This is the second Chevy SUV taken from the Village. It appears the suspect(s) are targeting Chevy SUVs and residents should take extra precautions and remove anything of value from their vehicles. If anyone has information that may be related to this incident please contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center at 301-654-7300. Please continue to contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center to report anything suspicious. 


                                                                                             ****
June 15, 2011

UNLOCKED

VEHICLES

Unknown suspect(s) went through two unlocked vehicles parked overnight from Monday, June 13^th to Tuesday, June 14^th. One vehicle was parked in the driveway on the first unit block of Primrose Street. The other vehicle was parked on the street the first unit block of Quincy Street. GPS units, iPod and cash were taken.

Residents need to lock their vehicles and remove valuable items to avoid being victims of these types of crime. If anyone has information that may be related to this incident please contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center at 301-654-7300. Please continue to contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center to report anything suspicious.

****

May 23, 2011

CRIME ALERT

STOLEN VEHICLE

Unknown suspect(s) stole an SUV sometime between 12:30 AM to 9:30 AM on Sunday, May 22^nd. The vehicle was taken from a driveway in the first unit block of Oxford St. The vehicle was unlocked.

Residents need to lock their vehicles and remove any valuable items from their vehicles. If anyone has information that might be related to this incident please contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center at 301-654-7300. Please continue to contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center to report anything suspicious.

***

April 28, 2011

CRIME ALERT

BURGLARIES

A home in the unit block of East Kirke Street was burglarized overnight between April 26^th and April 27^th. Entry was made through an open front window by cutting the outside screen. Suspect(s) took a handbag and $20.00 dollars in cash that were near the window.

A home in the 100 block of Primrose was burglarized while the residents were out of town. Entry was made through an unlocked rear window. Suspect(s) took a handbag and a laptop computer. The handbag was recovered near the East Kirke Street burglary.

It appears both burglaries were committed by the same suspect(s) and in the same timeframe. At this time there is no suspect(s) information. With the weather becoming warmer, residents like to open their homes windows for ventilation. We strongly advised that the windows that are easily accessible are to be closed and locked prior to turning in for the night or when the house is vacant.

If anyone has information that might be related to this incident please contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center at 301-654-7300. Please continue to contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center to report anything suspicious.

***

April 11, 2011

CRIME ALERT

BURGLARY

A home in the 5400 block of Grove Street was burglarized today, April 11, around 10:48 AM. The suspect forced entry through the front door. Suspect rummaged through a nightstand but nothing was taken. A witness saw a Hispanic male in his early 20's, 5”10 to 6”00 feet tall, 150 to 160lbs, with black wavy hair, running from the house.

If anyone has information that might be related to this incident please contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center at 301-654-7300. Please continue to contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center to report anything suspicious.

***

March 29, 2011

CRIME ALERT

BURGLARY

A home in the 100 block of Hesketh Street was burglarized on Saturday, March 26, around 4PM. The suspect(s) forced entry through the rear basement door. Suspect(s) took $150 dollars from a dresser drawer. Seen in the area at the time of the burglary was an older KIA Rio blue in color.

If anyone has information that might be related to this incident please contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center at 301-654-7300. Please continue to contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center to report anything suspicious.

***

March 18, 2011

CRIME ALERT

BURGLARY

A home in the 5700 block of Kirkside Drive was burglarized on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 between 7:30 pm and 10:00 pm. The homeowners went out to dinner and when they returned noticed that the front door was unlocked. The following day the homeowners discovered that cash was missing from the house. That only a few dresser drawers were ajar and rummaged through, but nothing else was taken. There were no signs of forced entry into the home and there is no suspect(s) information.

If anyone has information that might be related to this incident please contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center at (301) 654-7300. Please continue to contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center to report anything suspicious.

***

January 19, 2011

Update on West Lenox Street Burglary

As of January 19, 2011 there is only one outstanding suspect from the burglary that occurred in October 2010, Donte Markiel Jones, age 23. This warrant is for first-degree burglary, third-degree burglary, fourth-degree burglary, theft between $1,000 and $10,000, conspiracy to commit first-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit fourth-degree burglary, and conspiracy to commit theft between $1,000 and $10,000. Detectives continue to attempt to locate Jones in order to serve this arrest warrant on him.

Anyone who has information about the whereabouts of Donte Jones is asked to call Detective Frazier of the 2nd District Investigative Section at 301-657-0146 or the Montgomery County Police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.

Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Crimes Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information provided to them that leads to an arrest and/or indictment of the persons.

 Donte Jones

***

October 28, 2010

CRIME ALERT

BURGLARY

Today, between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m., a home in the second unit block of W. Lenox Street was burglarized.  The residents were home and were not awakened during the buglary.  The suspect(s) made entry through the front door that was unlocked.  the suspect(s) took a laptop, television and cash.

The suspect(s) obtained keys to the resident's Mini Cooper.  The suspect(s) stole the Mini Cooper that was parked on the street, in front of the house.  At this time there is no susoect information.

Please remember to activate your alarm system and double check your doors before going to bed.  Contact the Village Communications Center (301) 654-7300 to report anything suspicious.

***

October 19, 2010

ROBBERY VICTIM'S CAR FOUND

Metropolitan Police and Montgomery County Police have informed me that yesterday's robbery victim's car has been located in Washington, DC in the area of the 6800 block of Georgia Avenue.  the five occupants of the vehicle are being interviewed by detectives to determine if they were involved in the robbery.

This is an excellent job by all police agencies involved who quickly shared information, got the public involved, and hopefully will lead to the identity of those individuals who are responsible for committing the crime.  Special thanks to the Metropolitan Dc Police 4th District who located the vehicle and the occupants.

Chief Roy Gordon

Chevy Chase Village Police

***

October 18, 2010

CRIME ALERT

STRONG ARMED ROBBERY

Today, October 18, 2010, at approximately 10:45 a.m., a female walking back to her vehicle after conducting business at the Post Office, (5910 Connecticut Avenue) was approached by 4 black males in a gold colored sedan.  Thinking that the individuals were seeking directions, the female stopped and one black male exited the vehicle and demanded the victim's purse and keys.  The victim hesitated and the suspect snatched the purse and car keys out of the victim's hands.  A second suspect exited the gold colored sedan and jumped into the victim's Volvo sedan followed by the gold sedan.  The vehicles were last seen southbound Connecticut Avenue toward Washington, D.C.  The victim was not injured and provided police with the suspects' vehicle tag number.  The Village Police placed a lookout for both vehicles.  The suspect's vehicle was reported stolen from Prince Georges County on 10/16/10.

Suspects are described as four black males: the driver of the gold sedan, Dodge Intrepid, is about 40 years old; the other 3 suspects were described as young males.  The victim's purse contained a small amount of cash, miscellaneous credit cards, and personnal identification.

If you were in the area of the Post Office (5910 Connecticut Avenue) this morning and witnessed this event, please contact the Village Police at 301-654-7300.

Chief Roy Gordon

***

 

CRIME ALERT

VEHICLE BREAK-INS

Today, September 14, 2010, between 12:15 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., five (5) vehicles on the West side of the Village were entered and property removed. Four of the vehicles were parked in driveways and one was parked on the street in front of the residence. All the vehicles were left unlocked. In one case, a garage was entered and a bicycle was taken. Eye glasses and a tool bag were removed from another vehicle. Most vehicles were ransacked but nothing was removed. These events occurred at the following locations: 3900 block of Oliver Street, 5500 block of Grove Street, 5600 block of Montgomery Street, and the 5600 block of Kirkside Drive. There are no suspects at this time. The following property was recovered by Village Police: a girl's bike, a backpack containing tennis style clothing.

NOTE: Montgomery County Police responded to vehicle break-ins in the Town of Somerset and Metropolitan D.C. Police responded to vehicle break-ins across Western Avenue in DC Northwest. It is not known at this time if the same individuals are responsible for the crimes.

Village residents are reminded to lock their vehicles and activate any vehicle alarm systems. We also ask that you contact the Village Communications Center (301) 654-7300 to report any suspicious activity.

***

 

July 20, 2010

CRIME ALERT

 

BURGLARY

 

On 7/19/2010, between 10:30 a.m. and 7:15 p.m., a home in the 5400 block of Grove Street was burglarized.  The suspect(s) entered the home by breaking out a large plate glass window in the enclosed porch in the rear yard.  Once inside the suspect(s) removed a laptop computer and some currency.  Montgomery County Police also responded to the residence and processed the scene for prints.  A neighborhood canvass was conducted with negative results.  There is no description of the suspect(s) and no reports of suspicious person(s) in the area during or after the times the burglary was reported.  The home has an alarm but the system was not activated by the homeowner.

 

Residents are reminded to report anything suspicious to the Village Communications Center at 301-654-7300 and to always use their alarm systems.

 

***

April 2, 2010

CRIME ALERT

VEHICLE BREAK-INS

During the early morning hours on April 1, 2010 several vehicles were broken into on Hesketh Street and West Irving Street on the blocks between Magnolia Parkway and Cedar Parkway. A total of 11 vehicles were entered; 9 were parked on the street, 2 were parked in driveways. All the vehicles were unlocked. The suspect(s) entered the unlocked vehicles and went through the glove box, consoles, etc. looking for items to steal.

Village Police discovered two of the break-ins at approximately 1:30 a.m. while on routine patrol. Fingerprints were taken and submitted for analysis. During a neighborhood canvass a resident thought they heard a car alarm going off around 2:00 a.m.

Please contact the Village Communications Center (301) 654-7300 if you see or hear anything suspicious.

***

POSSIBLE SCAM

BE AWARE OF PEOPLE SEEKING DONATIONS BY PHONE AND IN PERSON

The Chevy Chase Village Police wants to remind residents to ensure they verify phone and door-to-door solicitors of donations purporting to be collecting for charitable organizations. Recently, the Chevy Chase Village Police have received complaints from residents concerning solicitors who implied they have an association with the Village Police or other police agencies. Residents are receiving calls from the Police Protective Fund seeking donations.

The Chevy Chase Village Police offers these tips related to phone and in-person solicitations for charitable donations:

• Whether in-person or by phone be aware of solicitors using high pressure tactics or solicitors who prey upon your sympathies to get an immediate donation
• Never make arrangements to have someone pick up money from your home
• Be aware that while your caller ID may show a local number many phone solicitors are actually calling from across the state or even out-of-state
• Be suspicious when asked for “cash” only donations

Always verify the name of the organization to include their address, phone number and the identity of the caller or the person at your door step

At your convenience research the charity online before you make a decision to donate

Never assume the friendly voice belongs to a trustworthy caller

Please click here to view a Montgomery County Press release from 2006 concerning the solicitation activities of the Police Protective Fund.

***

March 2, 2010

CRIME ALERT

The Montgomery County Code Enforcement Personnel, Montgomery County Police and the DEA (Drug Enforcement Admin) have the following alert for residents of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Area to be on the look out for three groups of men claiming to be tree workers and home repair workers—they are scammers who are heavily targeting our IMMEDIATE area (and I do mean immediate!). They also claim to do extermination work. They are going door to door and are targeting our area because of our general wealth.

They have hit several homeowners for very large sums of money-cash- they begin the work and then disappear. Homeowners of all ages, not just the elderly, have been the subject of this rip-off.

The authorities believe the groups are out of Culpepper, Va. They drive Ford and Chevy Pick-up Trucks with racks on the back made of wood. They believe one of the trucks has a sign on the door that says Meadow Tree and Lawn Service. The DEA believe that a drug making lab is somehow associated with these individuals.

The police are asking that if you see a group meeting this description to please call them 301-279-8000 (non-emergency) or 911 if the situation lends itself to immediate police response. Get a license number if you can.

Thank you for your attention. Remember to only employ reputable and recommended workers and do not give them cash up front. Continue to contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center 301-654-7300 to report anything suspicious.

January 6, 2010

VEHICLE BREAK-INS

STOLEN VEHICLE

 

Early this morning Village Police took 8 vehicle break-in reports. All the vehicles were unlocked; 3 were parked in driveways and 5 were parked on the street. Six vehicles were ransacked but nothing taken and the remaining two vehicles had petty cash removed from inside the vehicles. The vehicle break-ins occurred on the 1^st unit block of East Irving Street. And the 1^st unit block thru the 100 block of East Kirke Street.

 

The stolen vehicle was taken from the 6000 block of Western Avenue. The vehicle was parked in the driveway unlocked, with the keys in the center console.

 

The above incidents occurred between 10 PM on January 5^th and 7 AM on January 6^th.

 

Village Police ask that you lock your vehicles and remove anything of value from them. Contact the Village Communications Center (301) 654-7300 to report anything suspicious.  

November 5, 2009

Today, between 1:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., a home in the first unit block of Oxford Street was burglarized. The residents and older children were home at the time. Entry was made by climbing through a ground level unlocked window. The home is alarmed but the system was not activated.

Once inside, the suspect(s) removed a ladies purse and its contents; electronic gaming systems, several movie DVDs, a laptop, and cell phone. The keys to the victim's Range Rover SUV were also taken. The suspect(s) stole the Range Rover and made good their escape. The Range Rover was parked on the street in front of the home.

A neighborhood canvass was conducted that yielded no additional information. There are no descriptions of the suspect(s).

The Range Rover is dark blue in color with Maryland Tags.

Please remember to activate your alarm system when you go to bed at night. Continue to contact the Chevy Chase Village Communications Center 301-654-7300 to report anything suspicious.

July 2, 2009

Between 06-22-09 and 06-24-09 Chevy Chase Village Police investigated twenty-one vehicle break-ins throughout the Village. Of the twenty-one vehicles broken into, 10 were parked on the street and 11 were parked in the driveway. Items stolen were GPS units, CD players, CDs, cell phones and lots of loose change. The thefts happened in the late evening and early morning hours. Village Officer Willie Hearn on routine patrol discovered a vehicle with its interior light on and his investigation revealed that the vehicle was entered and various items removed.

The following streets/driveways were targeted: Hesketh Street, Grove Street, Cedar Parkway, Grafton Street, West Irving Street, East Lenox Street, West Lenox Street, Montgomery Street and Center Street.

The Chevy Chase Village Police recommend that residents lock their vehicles and utilize their vehicle alarm systems; consider installing photo-sensitive motion detectors that will illuminate their driveways/vehicles when someone passes by; and continue to report any suspicious activity to the Village Communications Center at 301-654-7300.