Police believe series of recent commercial burglaries are linked

Kogiya was burglarized on Jan. 28.

Fairfax County Police Department detectives believe 15 commercial burglaries across the county since Jan. 28 might be linked. 

Three of the burglaries were Annandale: Naz Food, Kogiya Korean BBQ, and the Han Gang Restaurant were hit on Jan. 28. 

The Little Saigon Restaurant and Vien Dong Fabrics in Seven Corners were burglarized on Feb. 3.

Other burglarized businesses include Halal Market and Afghan Bistro in Springfield on Feb. 11. Eight businesses in Alexandria were hit on Feb. 17: Pica Taco, Rice and Spice Thai Cuisine, Korean BBQ Bowl, Chi Mc Chicken and Beer, Matsui Sushi, Hollin Hill Variety Store, the Pastry Shop, and River Bend Bistro.

In most cases, the front glass doors of the businesses were broken and two to four people entered, took cash and property, then left in a vehicle. Most of the time the burglars targeted restaurants, grocery stores, and minority-owned businesses. 

While detectives continue to work on these cases, crime prevention officers are reaching out to business owners to discuss safety tips and burglary prevention.

On Feb. 16, the police department hosted a virtual community meeting with Korean business owners and discussed forging new partnerships and increasing communication to combat burglaries in the area. 

A crime prevention officer shared tips on how to protect businesses through CPTED (crime prevention through environmental design), such as installing lights and security cameras, trimming hedges by the front door, and removing valuables before closing for the night. 

Anyone with information about these burglaries should call the Criminal Investigation Section at the Mason Police District, 703-256-8035. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers.