Asian Business Owners Targets Of Organized Burglaries: Fairfax Co. Police

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — A series of eight residential burglaries that appear to be connected have targeted the Asian community, including small business owners throughout the National Capital Region, according to Fairfax County police.

"What we see with these eight cases is the victims are Asian, some, not all, are small business owners, which is one of the reasons we believe that they are targeted," said Major James Curry at a news conference at public safety headquarters in Fair Oaks. "It's because these businesses, whether they are salons, restaurants, often can have a heavy cash flow."

Investigators believe the suspects know this and are targeting the business owners' homes expecting a big financial return.

After a Feb. 21 burglary at a home in McLean, the victims reported jewelry, cash, gold bars, and clothing valued at $100,000 was missing.

"In the past, we've seen where there are commercial burglaries, where very similar businesses are targeted. And now this is just, rather than targeting the business for a burglary, it's targeting the homes," Curry said.

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The burglaries have occurred over the past two months and are spread throughout Fairfax County. Detectives are working to determine if the suspects in these cases are associated with other crimes.

• Annandale: On Jan. 12, at 5:03 p.m., officers responded to the 3200 block of Holly Berry Court in Annandale for a burglary report. When the victim returned home, she noticed her jewelry was missing. There were no signs of forced entry. Surveillance footage was located nearby prior to the burglary occurred.
• Woodlawn: On Jan. 15, at 9:07 p.m., officers responded to the 3800 block of Roxbury Court in Woodlawn for a burglary report. The rear back door was broken and the home was ransacked. The victim reported jewelry, handbags, a safe, and $7,000 in cash were stolen.
• Jefferson Manor: On Feb. 6, at 6:41 p.m., officers responded to the 2700 block of School Street in Jefferson Manor for a burglary report. A rear window was shattered, the home was ransacked, and a safe along with $40,000 worth of jewelry was stolen.
• Fair Haven: On Feb.12, at 6:36 p.m., officers responded to the 2600 block of Fort Drive in Fair Haven for a burglary report. The suspects entered the home by forcing entry on the second-floor balcony door. A safe containing $7,500 worth of jewelry and $6,000 in cash were taken.
• Woodley North: On Feb. 17, at 7:31 p.m., officers responded to the 2900 block of Graham Road in Woodley North for a burglary. The suspects entered the home by breaking the rear glass door. Handbags, $80,000 worth of jewelry, and $100,000 in cash were stolen.
• Fair Oaks:On Feb. 19, at 9:30 p.m., officers responded to the 4200 block of Kerrigan Lane in Fair Oaks for a burglary report. The rear back door was broken and her home was ransacked. Jewelry, handbags, and cash valued at over $10,000 were stolen.
• McLean: On Feb. 20, at 10:40 p.m., officers responded to the 7200 block of Evans Mill Road in McLean for a burglary report. Suspects entered the home by breaking the rear glass door. The victims reported jewelry, cash, gold bars, and clothing valuing $100,000 were stolen.
• McLean: On Feb. 21, at 9:56 a.m., officers responded to the 1300 block of Northwyck Court in McLean for a burglary report. The victims returned from vacation and found their home rummaged through and jewelry valued at $50,000 missing.

Police said no one has been home during any of the reported burglaries. While the victims' ethnicity is a common factor, Curry said police are not currently classifying these as hate crimes. The focus remains on how the suspects gain intelligence, which may involve pre-surveillance at businesses or homes.

Five Home Burglary Prevention Tips

1. Install and maintain security cameras covering entry points and driveways. Ensure cameras are properly positioned, functioning, and footage is accessible if needed for investigation.
2. Secure safes properly. Choose a high-quality safe that is bolted to the floor or wall to make removal significantly more difficult.
3. Upgrade exterior lighting. Motion-activated lighting around doors, garages, and rear access points can deter forced entry.
4. Reinforce doors and windows. Use solid-core or metal doors, quality deadbolts, and consider security film or reinforced locks for vulnerable windows.
5. Report suspicious activity immediately. Call 703-691-2131 to report non-emergency concerns or 911 in an emergency. Timely reporting allows officers to respond quickly and identify patterns.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Connect Fairfax County, a program that allows the police department to contact community members who have surveillance cameras in areas where crimes have occurred. This system does not provide direct access to cameras but helps detectives request footage when needed.

Police also advise residents to avoid keeping large amounts of cash, jewelry, or gold in their homes, as organized crews have targeted safes, even those bolted to the ground. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone: 1-866-411-TIPS ( 866-411-8477 ); by Web - Click HERE or download the Mobile P3 Tips App via Apple Store or Google Play. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward and can remain anonymous.