Since September, multiple thefts have occurred in the Tysons Corner area according to the Fairfax County Police Department. Tysons Corner is a commonly visited location by students outside of school.

On Oct. 10, two suspects entered Wegmans and attempted to steal approximately four hundred dollars worth of groceries. The individuals were stopped by a Loss Prevention Officer (LPO). Later, one of the suspects returned and successfully stole four hundred dollars worth of store products.

Earlier, on Sept. 14, three suspects used a stolen credit card from the Crystal City area to make a purchase at Neiman Marcus in Tysons Corner.

These incidents highlight the necessity of remaining vigilant in the community and beyond. School Resource Officer Scott Davis stresses the importance of visibility and communication to remain safe in public places. Students should also refrain from traveling elsewhere when they reach their destination.

“Do not go into areas where it seems not right and stay in the public eye,” Davis said. “If you are at the mall, they have security there [and] they have a lot of cameras but I would say if you are going to certain places, and you are saying you are going there, be there.”

Davis encourages students to remain safe from suspicious activity by refraining from using social media while in a public setting to reduce distractions and avoid unintentionally notifying unscrupulous individuals of their location.

“I don’t like that [students] post wherever [they] are going all the time because it tells exactly where you are at and where you are going,” Davis said.

Students should be consciously observing their environment in public areas to remain safe while also keeping their guardians informed of their plans.

“I think you should be aware of your surroundings,” Davis said. “Go hang out and have a good time with your friends, just know where you are going and make sure people know where you are going.”