Fairfax County Police have solved two separate strings of approximately eight high-end burglaries, a few in Great Falls, as well as Reston and McLean.
One was linked to what police referred to as “Polish nationals” on work visas from Chicago. Detectives arrested Jan Parchewski, 39, and charged him with burglary and grand larceny following an extensive investigation involving numerous leads across Fairfax County, according to police press reports.
“When we called Chicago and said, ‘Do you know this guy?’ They said, ‘Oh, yeah.’” said Lt. Lance Schaible.
The suspects in both cases appear to target wealthier homes and police believe victims were being watched by suspects. They used various means of distracting homeowners to the fact that accomplices were inside their homes stealing valuables, according to statements by police in May.
At a meeting on June 9 at the Great Falls Library, PFC Laura Redman and Schaible, both of the Reston police district, gave members of the Great Falls Citizens Association advice on how to protect their homes. More than 100 residents attended the meeting.
“BURGLARS DON’T WANT to be seen by you. They want in and out, they don’t want to be caught,” said Schaible.
“When crimes are committed you need to call,” he said.
Redman gave a number of suggestions: make your home less attractive to criminals, use sturdy doors made of metal or solid wood, light up entry doors, install well made deadbolt locks, and consider an alarm or camera system.
One homeowner’s security camera system helped police track a rental car license plate used by one of the suspects in the recent cases, said Schaible.
Trim shrubbery around windows and don’t give people prime places to hide. Redman said keeping doors and windows clean on both houses and vehicles can help police solve crimes if fingerprints need to be collected.
Don’t leave any valuables in the car. Thieves sometimes gain access to houses by stealing garage door openers from cars and entering from unlocked garage doors.
When going on vacation, Redman suggested stopping driveway newspaper delivery, putting several lights on timer, putting talk radio on low. Remember to set the security alarm.
If something is stolen from your home, having a record of serial numbers of valuables with make, model, size and color, plus photos could help police recover items.
And, finally, “get out of a routine,” said Redman.
Suspects in the recent cases watch and get to know the habits of homeowners.