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Forget the Flop Houses and Child Rapes ....

ALL HANDS ON DECK: Someone might steal a fire-hydrant!

Police Ask Residents to Report Thefts of Fire-Hydrant Parts Thursday, July 17, 2008 Sun Gazette

Vienna police, citing reported thefts in other Northern Virginia jurisdictions, are asking residents to keep an eye out for people who have been stealing operating nuts from fire hydrants.

The brass nuts, which are located on top of the hydrants, are used to open and close the fireplugs' water-flow valves. Theft of these parts can render the fireplugs inoperable and cause a safety hazard, police said.

Prince William County police on July 9 arrested Douglas Mumaw, 40, of Strasburg, Va., after he allegedly tried to sell stolen fire-hydrant parts.

Vienna police said if residents see people stealing the hydrant nuts, they should call 911 and take notes, but not intervene. Observers should note description details of the thieves, their getaway vehicles and any of the occupants, police said.

Posted by Historic Vienna Posts on July 17, 2008 01:49 PM |

Comments

So the town of Vienna website has stopped posting weekly crime reports. Seems like the mayor may have been too embarrassed to show how flawed her leadership is.

Posted by: bob | July 17, 2008 02:06 PM

Actually HV, I would agree that the theft of these parts can render the fire hydrants inoperable and cause a serious public safety hazard. Wasn’t that long ago the District was having considerable problems with broken hydrants. Hopefully they’ve got the guy now and the press doesn’t give the copy-cats any ideas. BTW, here in the Town of Vienna, who is responsible for the operation and maintenance for the fire hydrant system? Does the system use town water? Time for a consultant and study?

Posted by: Just observing | July 17, 2008 02:16 PM

The Mayor should bring in her whacked out son LoboTommy to get a handle on crime.

Posted by: Mr. Man | July 17, 2008 02:40 PM

Attention All Crime Stoppers:

The Vienna Police need your help after you nab those would-be fire hydrant tamperers.

DC police arrested prostitutes last week in the city. Good residents of Vienna, please be on the look out for prostitutes on Maple Avenue. If you see a prostitute, please report to the Vienna Police immediately.

Posted by: Deputy Dog | July 17, 2008 02:48 PM

Well, we've complained about a few prostitues hanging out at the Cedar Park Shopping Center/Vienna Park Apartments for awhile.

I understand that one was arrested at some point, but a neighbor saw these ladies calling out to men again not too long ago. So being arrested by the Vienna police must not be too much of a deterrent.

Posted by: Ai Papi! Need a date? | July 17, 2008 04:02 PM

I recall Officer Kenny Smith telling me about a woman who they frequently told to leave the Cedar Lane area because they believed she was a prostitute.

At the same time, you have to realize that the police cannot arrest someone just because someone looks like a prostitute. The person actually has to be caught initiating or in the act of prostitution in order to be formally charged.

Posted by: Minerva | July 18, 2008 12:01 AM

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