Commercial Burglaries In Franconia, Region, Investigated

FRANCONIA, VA — Fairfax County Police are investigating break-ins at Franconia area businesses on Wednesday and others in the region.

The Franconia commercial burglaries happened around 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17. Police believe two men forced entry into five businesses at Landsdowne Centre, stealing cash and property.

The five impacted businesses are Rice & Spice Thai Cuisine at 6466 Landsdowne Center Drive, Puzukan Korean BBQ at 6464 Landsdowne Center Drive, Pica Taco at 6480 Landsdowne Center Drive, Chi Mc Chicken & Beer at 6410 Landsdowne Center Drive and Matsui Japanese Sushi & Ramen at 6408 Landsdowne Center Drive.

Fairfax County Police indicated the Franconia break-ins were being investigated in connection with other commercial burglaries. Since Jan. 28, detectives have identified fifteen burglary cases that may be related, and minority-owned businesses appear to be targeted. In most of the incidents, the front glass doors of businesses are broken, and two to four people break in, take cash and other property, and flee in a vehicle.

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

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

Similarly in Arlington County, police are investigating 21 commercial burglaries that may be related.

Anyone with information about the incidents in Fairfax County can call police at 703-691-2131.