21 Burglaries At Cash-Based Businesses Under Investigation

ARLINGTON, VA — Detectives from the Arlington County Police's Property Crimes Unit are investigating a string of recent overnight commercial burglaries at cash-based businesses around the county, according to a police report.

Investigators have determined the culprits have been using similar methods of theft at each of the 21 commercial burglaries. Fifteen of the reported incidents were completed burglaries and six were attempted burglaries.

During overnight hours, suspects are smashing glass windows and doors as a way to gain entry into the businesses. The suspects then remove cash registers and safes that aren't bolted down. The burglaries are over in a matter of minutes and the suspects flee the scene of the crimes in a waiting vehicle.

ACPD is working collaboratively with law enforcement agencies from nearby jurisdictions where similar crimes have been committed. Fairfax County Police are investigating a similar series of commercial burglaries in Annandale, Alexandria, Franconia, and Falls Church.

Here are the locations and dates of the 21 reported commercial burglaries in Arlington:

• 2200 block of Shirlington Road (1/7/2021)
• 4800 block of 1st St. N. (1/7/2021)
• 400 block of 12th St. S. (1/7/2021)
• 4200 block of Campbell Ave. (1/7/2021)
• 900 block of N. Quincy St. (1/18/2021)
• 500 block of 23rd St. S. (1/19/2021)
• 5th Rd. N./ N. Quincy St. (1/22/2021)
• 6000 block of Wilson Blvd. (2/3/2021)
• 3400 block of Wilson Blvd. (2/8/2021)
• 1000 block of N. Randolph St. (2/11/2021)
• 6000 block of Wilson Blvd. (2/16/2021)
• 6000 block of Wilson Blvd. (2/16/2021)
• 1600 block of S. Glebe Road (2/16/2021)
• 5500 block of Wilson Blvd. (2/17/2021)
• 5500 block of Wilson Blvd. (2/17/2021)
• 5500 block of Wilson Blvd. (2/17/2021)
• 3200 block of Columbia Pike (2/17/2021)
• 1000 block of S. Walter Reed Drive (2/17/2021)
• 5000 block of Columbia Pike (2/19/2021)
• 5000 block of Columbia Pike (2/19/2021)
• 5100 block of Lee Highway (2/19/2021)

Police ask the public to report any suspicious behavior in commercial areas around the county. This could include a group congregating outside a closed business during overnight hours. If such activity is observed, call the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222. If a person is spotted entering a closed business, the public is warned not to approach them. Instead, they should call 9-1-1 at once.

Also see ...

Police Investigating Break-Ins At Franconia Area Businesses

Break-Ins Reported At Hollin Hall Businesses, River Bend Bistro