Fairfax Co. Police cracks down on illegal street takeovers

Police in Fairfax County, Virginia, are cracking down on street takeovers as part of a summer crime prevention initiative aimed at being proactive and keeping the community safe.

The first wave of the program, which began earlier this month, focuses on street takeovers and late-night bars and restaurants. The campaign will run throughout August and will focus on different goals each month.

Part of the plan is to target street takeovers, which Capt. James Curry said could turn violent and cause property damage. In April, Police Chief Kevin Davis released a video of one such street takeover in Springfield. Davis described the sequence as “total chaos and disorder”.

The group of officers, which Curry said was drawn from eight county precincts and will be led by a second lieutenant, will respond to takeovers when they happen, investigate them and, if possible, work to deter them.

“While they don’t happen every day or maybe not every week, in Fairfax County I can say with certainty that the amount of work that goes into behind the scenes to make sure nothing shows up is constant,” Curry said.

Curry said street takeovers usually involve cars revving their engines loudly and eating donuts. Sometimes they include activities that reach the level of a crime, e.g. destruction of private property, e.g. an industrial parking lot.

Curry said street takeovers are different from more traditional drive-in meetups. These incidents, which usually occur on weekends outside cafes or other restaurants, usually involve people gathering and looking at fancy, old or classic cars.

“With nicer weather, it is common sense to anticipate that there will be more of these gatherings, later in the evening,” Curry said.

In addition to the emphasis on seizures, police will also increase their presence near bars and restaurants that are open late.

Sometimes, Curry says, they operate outside of the hours they’re supposed to. In such cases, police are working with regulations and the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to figure out “how we can reduce the nuisance to nearby residents who are listening to loud music late at night or chaos that may break out.” “

Curry said the first month of the Summer Crime Initiative will also focus on strengthening relationships with businesses and other community groups.

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