Stolen Vehicle With Altered Key Fobs Found In Groveton

GROVETON, VA — A stolen vehicle with altered key fobs was found in the Groveton area of the Mount Vernon District last week, according to Fairfax County Police.

Detectives and a K-9 had located an unoccupied stolen Dodge Charger in Groveton on Jan. 8. The vehicle was stolen two days prior in La Plata, Maryland, and detectives began an investigation.

During surveillance, detectives observed a second vehicle park behind the stolen Dodge Charger. A passenger from the other vehicle entered the stolen vehicle, leading detectives to arrest two people.

A search of both vehicles found a key reprogramming tool and two reprogrammed key fobs for the stolen vehicle. Auto parts from the stolen vehicle were also found in the search.

Kevin Piratova, 23, and Yalizmar Moro Flores, 26, of Maryland, were charged with grand larceny, possession of burglarious tools, conspiracy to commit grand larceny, and receiving stolen property. They were taken to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center and held on a $3,000 secure bond.

In light of the stolen vehicle case, Fairfax County Police urged residents to be alert for suspicious vehicles. Warning signs can include broken or smashed passenger windows, ignitions that were tampered with, and USB cables plugged into the ignition.

To avoid car thefts, police recommend locking vehicles, not leaving keys inside, parking in well-lit public places, keeping windows rolled up when parked, installing car alarm systems and GPS devices, keeping personal belongings out of vehicles, not leaving cars unattended while running, keeping spare keys in inconspicuous locations, using security cameras and floodlights, being aware of surroundings, and not keeping personal documents in the vehicle.

Suspected stolen vehicles in Fairfax County can be reported to police at 703-691-2131.