Alexandria police deploy holiday crime prevention plan amid 27% drop in offenses
Plan targets package theft, vehicle break-ins during busy shopping season
The Alexandria Police Department unveiled its annual holiday crime prevention plan Friday, deploying a comprehensive strategy combining increased patrols, targeted enforcement, and community partnerships to combat seasonal crime spikes through year’s end.
The initiative, which launched Nov. 21, comes as the city experiences a 27% decrease in overall Part 1 offenses in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to APD’s crime dashboard, which tracks data through Oct. 30. Police officials are working to maintain that momentum during the holiday shopping and travel season, when thefts, robberies, larcenies and traffic violations typically increase, according to the department.
Four-pillar strategy
The department’s plan relies on four core components, according to materials released by APD:
Enhanced visible presence: Officers will conduct foot patrols, bike patrols, and mobile patrols with cruiser steady-burn lights activated across shopping centers, business corridors, retail districts, transit areas, and high-density residential neighborhoods. The increased visibility aims to deter opportunistic crimes in high-traffic areas.
Strategic enforcement: Using historical crime data and intelligence analysis, APD has identified specific locations where seasonal offenses typically spike. The department is deploying K-9 officers, Criminal Investigations Section personnel, surveillance teams, and fugitive apprehension units to these priority areas. The effort is supported by public safety cameras with real-time monitoring and FLOCK license plate recognition technology, along with proactive traffic enforcement.
Community engagement: Crime Prevention Officers and Community Engagement staff are partnering with businesses, community organizations, and neighborhood associations to distribute safety information, strengthen communication networks, and gather feedback throughout the season.
Technology integration: The department is leveraging public safety cameras and other technological tools as “force multipliers” to help officers respond more strategically and efficiently to incidents.
Public safety guidance
The department is urging residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their property, according to safety flyers distributed by APD:
Package security: Use delivery lockers, track shipments, require signatures, or arrange for trusted neighbors to collect packages. Consider installing doorbell cameras or shipping to retail locations or post office boxes.
Vehicle safety: Lock all doors, remove valuables from sight, and never leave vehicles running unattended.
Personal awareness: Stay alert when walking to and from vehicles, remain in well-lit areas, keep keys ready, and avoid texting while walking or driving.
Reporting: Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity immediately. The department emphasizes that such calls may prevent crimes before they occur.
Emergency calls should be directed to 911, while non-emergency reports can be made to 703-746-4444.
Package theft prevention
With online shopping driving increased package deliveries, APD has released specific guidance to combat porch piracy. Recommendations include requiring delivery signatures, using tracking alerts, requesting vacation holds on shipments, and coordinating with neighbors for package collection.
If packages are stolen, residents should report the theft to APD, contact the retailer, and check with their credit card company about potential protections.
The plan’s approach uses historical crime data to target enforcement in areas where holiday-related crimes have previously increased. APD has used similar strategies in recent years as part of broader efforts to reduce property crimes citywide.
Additional information and downloadable safety flyers are available at alexandriava.gov/police. The initiative runs through the end of the year.