The Connection

‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ for Parents of Teens

Fairfax County police are offering a hands-on, learning adventure for parents and guardians of teenagers. Called “Hidden in Plain Sight,” it’ll be held Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 6:30-8:45 p.m., at the Sully District Governmental Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. 

Attendees will be guided through a presentation opening their eyes to what’s right in front of them. This program begins with a setup of a teenager’s bedroom which includes close to 100 “red flags” indicating risky behavior. Parents are encouraged to touch everything and identify these red flags. 

Afterward is a PowerPoint presentation detailing the red-flag props the room contained and how they indicate or are used in risky behavior. Police include up-to-date statistics and local trends, and law-enforcement officers will share experiences they’ve had in the community identifying risky behavior and helping put teens on the right path to a healthy life. 

Register at https://bit.ly/hipsdec22. Or register for other, upcoming presentations dates at https://bit.ly/fcpdhips. Registration is required, and seats are limited for this free event. For further information or to arrange a presentation for an organization, club or group, email PFC Meg Hawkins at FCPDHIPS@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

Sully Police Commanders in the Community
The commanders of the Sully Police District, Captain Rachel Levy and 1st Lt. Matt Dehler, are looking forward to meeting with local residents during their next Commanders in the Community event. It’ll be held Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 6:30-8 p.m., at the Centreville Library, 14200 St. Germain Drive in Centreville, and refreshments will be served. It’s a free and casual event enabling people to ask questions about the district, crime and the police department.

Prevent Catalytic Converter Thefts from Vehicles

Because of the continuing problem of thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles, G & C Tire and Auto Service will hold another etching event. It’s slated for Dec. 10, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at 14008 Willard Road in Chantilly. 

Catalytic converters are stolen due to the valuable metals contained within them. Making matters worse, they’re easy to remove and difficult to trace, once stolen. It can cost the vehicle owner an average of $1,000-$2,500 to replace a catalytic converter, and it’s illegal to drive without one.

During the free etching event, G&C will apply anti-theft labels to people’s catalytic converters. These ultra-destruct labels are laser cut with a unique code and the URL of a secure, accredited database – the International Security Register (ISR). 

They’ll break into pieces if an attempt is made to remove them. Furthermore, a fluid that etches into metal is applied to the labels so that, even if they are removed, the code and URL will remain clearly readable. This service will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis; no appointments are necessary.

Donate Children’s Toys for Santa’s Ride

For more than 30 years, the Fairfax County Police Department’s motor unit has been collecting toys and delivering them to children in area hospitals, and to local charities, during the holidays. But help from the community is needed so that they have lots of toys to deliver.

To make local children’s Christmas bright, individuals, groups, places of worship, businesses and civic organizations may drop off new and unwrapped toys, books and games before Monday, Dec. 12, at 9 a.m. Place these gifts in the marked, blue boxes in the lobby of the Sully District Police Station, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. 

Donations may also be brought by then to two other locations: Poplar Tree Elementary, 13440 Melville Lane, and St. Timothy Catholic School, 13809 Poplar Tree Road, both in Chantilly.

Gift Card Drive for Child Victims

The Fairfax County Police Department’s Victim Services Division is holding its 9th Annual gift-card drive. They’ll be used to benefit child victims, children who’ve witnessed domestic and sexual violence, and children who’ve lost a loved one to homicide. Especially useful are gift cards to, for example, Target, Walmart, Amazon, grocery and clothing stores, as well as to local restaurants.