Thefts of car parts are on the rise in Reston, police say

Reston appears to have become a frequent destination for vehicle part thefts.

The Reston District Station has seen a record 16 thefts of auto parts this year alone, according to the Fairfax County Police Department. Last year, the station reported just two incidents.

Police believe that the target appears to be cars parked in residential areas overnight. Officials note that removing car parts like catalytic converters, wheels, and tires — three apparently sought-after parts in Reston — can take several hours.

“We recognized these incidents have commonalities and continue to explore if they are connected,” a FCPD spokesperson told FFXnow.

FCPD says it continues to investigate these cases and has not ruled out any possibilities. No other information was immediately available.

The department is encouraging residents to use the following measures to reduce the chances of becoming a target:

• Keep your vehicle locked at all times
• Remove all valuables from the vehicle
• Install anti-theft devices
• Park in well-lit areas
• Report suspicious activity in your neighborhood

In January, FCPD also issued a community message on YouTube to educate residents about the issue.

Earlier this year, three men were seen on cameras attempting to steal catalytic converters from a dealership in Springfield.

Police apprehended the men after a high-speed chase. Two of the three men were arrested.

Photo via Jaye Haych/Unsplash