Crime, Criminal Activity and Suspects Who Are Wanted in Our Communities

for the neighborhoods of Landstown Lakes, Landstown Meadows, Bernard Farms and Woods of Piney Grove.

The Problem of Crime

There is quite a bit we can do as a community to fight and reduce crime. One of the most important things we can do is report crime when it happens.

When someone reports a crime, the police become aware of the problems we are experiencing in our neighborhood. When crimes are related, each reported incident can provide additional information that may help investigators connect the dots and ultimately identify and arrest those responsible.

On the other hand, when criminal activity goes unreported, criminals may conclude that the neighborhood is an easy target. If they believe that no one is going to report what they do, there is less reason for them to fear being caught.

Some people argue that there is no point in reporting a crime because the person responsible probably will not get caught anyway. But if a crime is never reported, law enforcement may never know that it occurred. Without that information, they have less opportunity to identify patterns, connect incidents, develop leads, and build a case.

How and when we report a crime can also make a difference. Reporting an incident as soon as possible gives law enforcement the best opportunity to respond while information and evidence may still be available. Details that might seem insignificant to us can also become important when combined with information from other incidents.

When reporting a crime, remember the Who, What, When, Where, and Why:

  • Who was involved? Describe the person or people involved, including clothing, appearance, vehicles, or other identifying information when possible.
  • What happened? Describe exactly what you saw or what occurred.
  • When did it happen? Give the most accurate time and date possible.
  • Where did it happen? Provide the exact location and any relevant details about where the incident occurred.
  • Why do you believe it happened? If you have information that may explain a motive or connection, provide it—but clearly distinguish what you know from what you suspect.

The more timely and accurate information we provide, the more useful that information can be to law enforcement.

Reporting crime is one way we can help protect our community. Even when an individual incident does not immediately result in an arrest, that report becomes part of the bigger picture. Multiple reports can reveal patterns, establish connections, and provide investigators with information they may not otherwise have.

We should not assume that someone else has already reported it. If you see something, report it. Your information could be the piece that helps solve the next crime.

A Few Problems Our Neighborhoods Face Fighting Crime

  • Residents not reporting crime.
  • Residents not reporting crime soon enough. There is a diminishing return the longer one waits to report crime.
  • Shortage of police personnel. This has been an issue for a long time and the city should fix it.
  • Not reporting crime because some think police are short staffed. That does not help one bit. If more crime is reported, it will put the issue higher on city council's radar.

Resources

Police

Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) - We are part of the First Precinct

Crimesolvers