Burglary Attempts Reported In Virginia Village Shopping Center: Police

LEESBURG, VA — A burglar tried to enter a pair of shops in the Virginia Village shopping center on Saturday, the Leesburg Police Department said. The burglar entered one store and stole items, but they were unable to enter the second targeted store, according to police.

The burglary attempts began around 2 a.m. on Saturday morning. At that time, Leesburg police officers were dispatched to the shopping center at the intersection of Catoctin Circle SE and South King Street.

They were called to the area due to an alarm at one of the businesses. When officers arrived on the scene, they determined that someone had shattered the business's glass front door. The police department said that the burglar then stole an "undetermined amount of property" from the store.

Shortly after the first alarm, officers received a call for a second alarm activation in the shopping center. At another business, someone attempted to shatter a glass front door. They were unsuccessful, police said.

Officers were not able to locate a suspect on Saturday morning.

In a news release, authorities urged businesses to leave interior lights on when they're not open to discourage would-be burglars. They also said business owners could leave the empty cash drawer open while the business is closed, install motion activated lighting, install security cameras, and install audible alarms.

Anyone who may have more information about the burglary attempts can contact Detective Pereira of the Leesburg Police Department at 703-771-4500. Callers can submit anonymous tips to the Leesburg Crime Line at 703-443-8477.