Police issue warning after spike in burglaries
Locations of some of the burglaries. Screenshot from CrimeReports.com.
Police are warning residents to be vigilant in locking their doors and windows after 18 burglaries were reported in the northern end of the Richmond Highway area over the past month.
The burglaries have typically taken place in the afternoon or early evening hours, police said, and have primarily occurred in the Fairhaven, Bellehaven Terrace and Bucknell Manor neighborhoods. Homes in the following blocks have been hit, according to police:
- 8000 block of Ashton Street
- 6000 block of Bangor Drive
- 2500 block of Belleview Avenue
- 2500 block of Belleview Avenue
- 2400 block of Byrd Lane
- 6600 block of Cavalier Drive
- 6600 block of Cavalier Drive
- 6600 block of Cavalier Drive
- 6400 block of Cavalier Drive
- 2600 block of Fleming Drive
- 2300 block of Fort Drive
- 6700 block of Oak Drive
- 6400 block of Olmi Landrith Drive
- 2400 block of Phillips Drive
- 2400 block of Phillips Drive
- 6400 block of Princeton Drive
- 6700 block of Swarthmore Drive
- 6700 block of Williams Drive
Detectives are still trying to determine if the burglaries are related, and the police did not release any pictures or descriptions of potential suspects.
Police did offer the following advice to help prevent burglaries:
- Keep all doors and windows closed and locked.
- Secure sliding glass doors by placing a metal rod or a wooden dowel rod in the track.
- Lock the door to an attached garage.
- Make your residence appear occupied, even when no one is home, to help deter criminals.
- Keep the perimeter of your home well lit.
- Have a trusted neighbor collect mail and newspapers while you are away.
- Keep landscaping trimmed away from entrances and walkways.
- Organize or join a Neighborhood Watch program.
- Get a free home security check from a Crime Prevention Officer.
- Keep an inventory of your property.
- Store ladders, tools and any other outside objects in a locked shed or garage.
- Make sure the home’s address is visible for police, firemen and paramedics.
Police are asking anyone with information about the incidents to call the Mount Vernon District Station at 703-360-8400. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Crime Solvers website, or by calling 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
Someone attempted to break into 2419 Fairhaven Ave 4 evenings ago. Actually knocked on the door, but I didn’t answer, cause usually the doorbell is used. Had to chase the young male up the street…..
Thank you for the information , wish we would have a the police come down Massey Ct. once in a while to let some know they can’t speed & just check on us all ..But thanks for the good job you all do..
Thank You
Jean Booth
Thank you too for your courage and hard work in all weather conditions and working all the holidays and have your life at risk everyday and your spouses and families wondering if they will see you again when you leave for work. If all people would cooperate with the police, there would be far fewer injuries.