Burke, West Springfield Commercial Burglaries Under Investigation

BURKE, VA — As police investigate an increase in commercial burglaries, new incidents have been reported in Burke and West Springfield.

The incidents were reported at Burke Auto Service at 5765 Burke Center Parkway and Exxon at 8400 Old Keene Mill Road. The Burke Auto Service break-in happened between 9 p.m. on Feb. 20 and 9 a.m. on Feb. 21. Police say cash was taken during the forced entry.

The Exxon break-in happened between 9 p.m. on Feb. 22 and 6 a.m. on Feb. 23. The unknown suspect took property during the forced entry.

Police are investigating numerous commercial break-ins since late January, largely targeting restaurants, grocery stores, and minority owned businesses. In most of the incidents, front glass doors of businesses are broken and suspects take cash and other property.

The break-ins include Kogiya Korean BBQ and Han Bang Korean Restaurant in Annandale on Jan. 28, Little Saigon Restaurant and Vien Dong Fabrics in Falls Church on Feb. 3, Halal Market and Afghan Bistro on Feb. 11, Pica Taco, Rice and Spice Thai Cuisine, Korean BBQ Bowl, Chi Mc Chicken and Beer and Matsui Sushi in Franconia and Hollin Hall Variety Store, Hollin Hall Pastry Shop and River Bend Bistro in Fort Hunt on Feb. 17.

Crime prevention officers have been reaching out to business owners to discuss safety tips and burglary prevention. A Feb. 16 virtual meeting was held with Korean business owners to share tips such as light and security camera installation, trimming back hedges in front of doors, removing valuables before closing, and contacting police if a burglary occurs.

To report information on an incident, call police at 703-691-2131 or submit a tip through Crime Solvers.