Fairfax County police are investigating a series of potentially connected burglaries targeting mostly fast-casual chain restaurants, dating back to July.
The first burglary was reported on July 13 at 8:05 a.m., drawing officers to a Taco Bamba in Springfield’s Backlick Shopping Center (6691-A Backlick Road).
“Employees arriving for work discovered damage to the front door and found that the cash register had been stolen,” the Fairfax County Police Department said yesterday (Tuesday) in a press release.
Subsequent incidents involving suspects who appear to employ similar methods based on surveillance footage have been reported at eight different restaurants over the past three months, most recently at Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood and Bar (3539 S. Jefferson Street) in Bailey’s Crossroads on Oct. 8.
The full timeline of incidents that police believe to be connected:
- July 13: Taco Bamba at 6691 Backlick Road, Springfield
- Aug. 29: Chipotle, Quickway and America’s Best Wings in the Plaza at Landmark shopping center (6242-6244 Little River Turnpike) in Lincolnia
- Sept. 8: America’s Best Wings at 7742 Richmond Highway in Lorton and 7696C Richmond Highway in Groveton
- Sept. 9: Flame Japanese Hibachi and KPOT Korean BBQ at 6379 and 6249 Seven Corners Center in Seven Corners
- Oct. 8: Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood and Bar at 3539 S. Jefferson Street, Bailey’s Crossroads
“Through their investigation, detectives reviewed surveillance footage showing suspects using rocks or cinderblocks to shatter glass entry doors and gain access to the businesses,” the FCPD said. “Once inside, the suspects stole cash drawers and safes before fleeing in a vehicle.”
Security footage shared from the Oct. 8 burglary at Hook & Reel shows a white SUV backing into a parking space right in front of the seafood restaurant’s front door. Three figures wearing hooded sweatshirts and face masks are then seen getting out of the vehicle and breaking the glass door with a cinderblock.
The individuals enter the building, and two of them exit seconds later with a box that’s placed in the vehicle’s backseat. They go back into the restaurant before leaving with the third person in the vehicle. The entire incident lasts under two minutes.
“Detectives are asking anyone who may have information about these incidents to call our Criminal Investigation Division at 703-256-8035,” the FCPD said, adding that anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Solvers of Fairfax County.
