The Arlington County Police Department has released two short videos with tips for staying safe while using jogging trails and enjoying warm weather.
“Arlington has safe and beautiful trails for biking, running, and walking,” a narrator says on the jogging trail video. “As the days get longer, people of all ages spend more time outside — and this includes criminals, too.”
Tips listed on the video include:
- Try to use populated areas in the daylight hours.
- Wear light, reflective clothing.
- Try to go out with a friend.
- Make sure you bring a cell phone.
- Familiarize yourself with your trails and avoid areas you don’t know.
- If you listen to music, make sure you leave one ear open.
- Tell someone where you will be going before you leave.
- Call 911 for emergencies or, for non-emergencies, call 703-558-2222.
To stay safe during warm weather months, police recommend keeping doors locked and windows closed when no one is at home.
“Arlington is a safe community, but criminal activity does occur, especially in warm weather, when unlocked doors and open windows can prove tempting,” the narrator says. The tips listed include:
- Do NOT leave windows open when no one is home.
- If you leave windows open while Sleeping, do not leave any first floor windows open.
- Ask a neighbor to watch your home when you are away.
- Do not leave valuables in places visible from the street.
- Always lock your doors.
- Do not hide keys on your property. Instead, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to hold onto an extra set of your keys.
- Alert your neighbors to suspicious people or activity.
- Call 911 for emergencies or, for non-emergencies, call 703-558-2222.