top of page

Neighborhood Watch

Neighborhood Watch Coordinator, TBD

​

Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program that relies on concerned citizens in communities throughout the United States to learn how to properly and successfully watch out for their communities and their neighbors' property, thereby reducing criminal activity.

 

Our Barrington community has had an active Neighborhood Watch program since our neighborhood was created because our residents care about the safety and security of our community. Our Neighborhood Watch program is run in conjunction with the Crime Prevention Office of the West Springfield Station of the Fairfax County Police Department.

​

Programs

  • Aid police departments in reducing residential burglary, thefts of property, vandalism, traffic-related offenses, and other criminal activities.

  • Educate citizens on crime prevention techniques which improve ability to remove and reduce opportunities for criminals to act.

  • Alert criminals that residents are concerned about crime and will call when suspicious activities are observed.

  • Enhance reporting of suspicious activity in communities, thereby reducing the number of crimes committed.

  • Encourage residents to interact with each other, thereby increasing awareness of which community activities are routine and which are suspicious.

Barrington Neighborhood Watch Newsletter
December 2025
As we enter the holiday season, the Neighborhood Watch team’s priority is to help ensure that December remains festive, peaceful, and safe for everyone in our community. While Barrington continues to be a safe neighborhood, we’ve experienced minor incidents over the past year—most notably catalytic converter thefts, speeding, and traffic accidents. With increased travel, package deliveries, and gatherings this month, it’s a good time to refresh our shared commitment to vigilance. Below are three timely safety topics for December.
Holiday Home & Travel Security
Many residents will be traveling or hosting visitors. Please consider the following:

​

  • Light Timers & Smart Devices: Use timed lighting or smart home systems when away to give your home a lived-in appearance.

  • Secure Doors & Garages: Double-check doors, windows, and garage entry points before leaving, even for short trips.

  • Neighbors Helping Neighbors: If you’ll be away, consider informing a trusted neighbor who can keep an eye out for unexpected activity, move packages, or adjust trash bins.

 

A small amount of coordination makes a big difference in crime deterrence—especially this time of year.


Package Theft Prevention
With holiday gifts arriving daily, porch theft becomes more tempting to opportunistic criminals:

​

  • Delivery Instructions: Request packages be placed out of sight (behind planters, columns, or railings).

  • Pick-Up Options: Use retailers’ package lockers, post office holds, or Amazon/UPS/FedEx pickup points when possible.

  • Doorbell Cameras: Visible cameras tend to reduce drive-by thefts and help document suspicious behavior.

 

If you see someone following delivery trucks or acting unusually near a neighbor’s porch, please report it to the non-emergency police line.

 

Vehicle Safety & Neighborhood Speed Awareness
We’ve had a few instances of catalytic converter theft and repeated concerns about speeding in the neighborhood:

​

  • Park Smart: Whenever possible, park in your garage or in well-lit areas of the driveway. Consider installing motion-activated lights.

  • Anti-Theft Deterrents: Catalytic converter protection plates or etching kits can discourage theft.

  • Drive Slowly: With children home for winter break, evening holiday events, and early sunsets, please reduce speed, especially near curves and the neighborhood entrance. Remind guests to drive cautiously as well. A few extra seconds on the road is well worth the added safety.

 

Thank you to all residents who continue to keep eyes and ears open throughout the year. Community awareness is one of our strongest tools for preventing crime and keeping Barrington the warm, welcoming neighborhood we all value.


Barrington’s Neighborhood Watch team wishes everyone a safe, joyful, and memorable holiday season.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

You can be a great help to our community by reporting suspicious or criminal activities that you may witness through passive observation or window watching. There are many avenues in Fairfax County for reporting suspicious or criminal activities. They are all useful tools for protecting our community from future nuisance or criminal activity. The police have set up these avenues to allow citizens to record and report information that can help them more successfully protect our communities. The numbers and websites are as follows:

 

Call 911 Immediately

To report a crime in progress and/or a life-threatening situation when a police officer and/or other emergency service is needed.

 

Call 703-691-2131

To report a crime that has already taken place, or a suspicious person or activity, use this non-emergency reporting number for the Fairfax County Police Department. Use this method if you want to speak with or see a police officer.

 

Call 703-922-7938 or go to Fairfax County Policy Emergency Site

To report a crime that has already taken place, or a suspicious person or activity, call this automated reporting line or use this link to file a non-emergency police report with the Fairfax County Police Department. Use this method if you do not need to speak with or see a police officer.

 

Go to Fairfax County Traffic Safety Site

To report aggressive driving or an unbuckled child, file an online report. The form is simple: you report the license plate number, the date you witnessed the incident, and a few other details. The owners of the vehicle will receive an informational letter asking them to obey Virginia's safety laws.

bottom of page