Utility and Parking Lot Scams, Prostitution Bust

August is over and September has finally arrived. Before we settle into the month, here's a look back at the top five most-read crime stories on Annandale Patch in August.

5. Fairfax County Police Arrest 23 Men in Prostitution Bust

Fairfax County police arrested 23 men on Aug. 15. in a prostitution bust at hotels in Tysons Corner, Springfield, Falls Church and Herndon. 

4. Police Warn Annandale Residents About Utility Company Scams

Residents in Mason District were warned to look out for suspicious emails and phone calls from scammers posing as utility companies. Police received reports from residents who said the emails or the person on the phone asked for payment in order to prevent phone/Internet service from being shut off.

3. Police: Three Men Assaulted Near Annandale Shopping Center

In the weekly crime report for the week of Aug. 21, three men were reportedly assaulted while standing near their vehicle. The men were approached by two men, who assaulted the three victims and then fled.

2. Fairfax Police Charge 3 with Selling Alcohol to Minors

Fairfax County police officers in the West Springfield District Station made three arrests during an undercover ABC business compliance operation in late August. Officers checked a total of 15 stores as part of the operation. Three locations were caught selling alcohol to minors.

1. Fairfax County Police Warn of Parking Lot Scam

In early August, Fairfax County police warned residents about scammers who approached victims in parking lots of shopping centers. Two reported incidents occurred in Merrifield and in Seven Corners on Aug. 6 and Aug. 5, respectively.