A quiet Kingstowne neighborhood was the scene of a burglary last week, and police say the three men arrested may be tied to a larger criminal ring.
Police say the suspects, ages 27 to 38, are accused of slipping past home security systems and are wanted in connection with burglaries in multiple states. Fairfax County investigators are also looking into any links to other recent burglaries in the county.
Police said they were able to track a vehicle believed to be involved in the Kingstowne burglary to another home in Alexandria.
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They say they found several tools consistent with an organized burglary crew, including license plate flippers to avoid detection, and Wi-Fi and cellphone jammers to disable home security cameras.
Andy Chen, whose family owns a local restaurant, said his home was the one targeted by the crew last Wednesday, and said it has now been targeted three times.
The latest break-in left him questioning whether his security measures are enough.
“They have some really good technology if they’re able to do it multiple times at the same house,” said Chen. “It’s definitely annoying. The whole point of having security cameras and having that system embedded into our house is to prevent this from happening.”
For Chen, the concern goes beyond one incident.
“If they’re able to commit this type of crime and repeatedly do it, and have an organization of people doing it, in multiple states, it just means this is not going to be the last time,” he said.
Chen says his family is now weighing difficult choices.
“The next step for us is either move out or really upgrade security, because this is not really a home anymore.”
Police are urging residents to take extra precautions to protect their homes. Among other things, they recommend hardwiring security cameras when possible, to prevent signal disruption and using motion-activated lights and alarm systems to deter burglars.
Detectives are also asking anyone with information about the crime to call 703-644-7377.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477).