Safety Alert: Criminal Incident Near Fairwood Green Shopping Center

From the Fairwood Executive Committee

Our community experienced a robbery attempt and shooting this morning that left no one injured, but created a significant level of concern. There was a period of significant police activity, and residents were asked to remain securely indoors.

Although police confirmed that the suspects fled from Fairwood, media reports indicate that the suspects are "still at large and are all described as black men in their late teens or early 20s."  They provided the following descriptions:

• First suspect is described as heavyset, with dreadlocks.
• Second suspect is described as having a skinny build, and with a mohawk and wearing a Redskins hat.
• Third suspect was wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans.

As a result of this mornings' incident at Fairwood, the police have beefed up patrols in our area, and will continue the increased presence for the next several days. You will also see perimeter checks being conducted in our neighborhood over the next several days. The Prince George’s County Police Department wants us to stress to our neighborhood the following:

• If you see something, say something – report suspicious activity or individuals
• Call 911 first before calling anyone else 

We need the continued support of everyone to help ensure the safety of our fellow residents.

Help Close the Door on Crime!

From the Fairwood Surveillance Committee

Most homeowners envision burglars breaking a window or forcing a door open to gain access into a home. Not so. Nearly half of all residential burglaries occur via access through an unlocked door or window. But the quickest and simplest means for most burglars to gain entry is often through an open garage door.

Garage door security is critical. FBI, local Sheriff/Police data and Department of Justice Statistics all tell us repeatedly that thousands of homes are burglarized every year.Many of these burglaries had one thing in common: owners who left garage doors open.Police say open garages invite burglars who, once in, may take the opportunity to walk through another door into the home. And anything can happen once they are in your house.

Don't risk yourself or your family's safety. The best advice is to always keep garage doors closed when not in use. Simply leaving a garage door open can lead to more serious crimes such as murder, rape, kidnaping, and or home invasion robberies to name a few.