9 Fairfax County Restaurants Targeted In Burglary Spree: Police

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Nine Fairfax County restaurants have been targeted in a series of burglaries and attempted break-ins since July, during which the suspects smashed glass doors and stole cash drawers and safes, according to police.

Fairfax County police said Tuesday that detectives are searching for suspects connected to the incidents, which occurred at restaurants in Springfield, Lincolnia, Lorton, Groveton, Seven Corners and Bailey's Crossroads.

Investigators said surveillance footage shows suspects using rocks or cinderblocks to break glass entry doors during overnight burglaries. Once inside, the suspects stole cash drawers and safes before fleeing in a vehicle.

The investigation began on July 13, when officers responded to Taco Bamba, located at 6691 Backlick Road in Springfield, around 8:05 a.m.

Employees arriving for work discovered damage to the restaurant's front door and found the cash register stolen, police said.

Detectives subsequently linked the investigation to eight other incidents involving restaurants across Fairfax County, including three businesses targeted on the same day in Lincolnia and two America's Best Wings locations burglarized in September.

Restaurants Targeted In Burglary Series

Police identified the following incidents:

• July 13 — Taco Bamba: 6691 Backlick Road, Springfield. Burglary.
• Aug. 29 — Chipotle: 6242 Little River Turnpike, Lincolnia. Attempted burglary.
• Aug. 29 — Quickway: 6242C Little River Turnpike, Lincolnia. Burglary.
• Aug. 29 — America's Best Wings: 6244 Little River Turnpike, Lincolnia. Burglary.
• Sept. 8 — America's Best Wings: 7742 Richmond Highway, Lorton. Burglary.
• Sept. 8 — America's Best Wings: 7696C Richmond Highway, Groveton. Burglary.
• Sept. 9 — Flame Japanese Hibachi: 6379 Seven Corners Center, Seven Corners. Burglary.
• Sept. 9 — KPOT Korean BBQ: 6249 Seven Corners Center, Seven Corners. Burglary.
• Oct. 8 — Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar: 3539 S. Jefferson St., Bailey's Crossroads. Burglary.

Eight of the incidents were reported as burglaries, while the Chipotle incident was classified as an attempted burglary.

Police released surveillance images and video of the suspects Tuesday to help identify those responsible.

Authorities have not disclosed the total amount of money stolen, the number of suspects involved or descriptions of the getaway vehicle.

Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to contact the Fairfax County Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division at 703-256-8035.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Fairfax County Crime Solvers at 866-411-8477 or through the P3 Tips app. Tipsters can check the app or Crime Solvers website for information about possible rewards.

The investigation into the burglaries remains ongoing.