Fairfax County police are looking for a burglar who's broken into 18 homes in the local area, between May 14-28, taking jewelry and cash.
The crimes have usually occurred on weekdays, between 9 a.m.-3 p.m., when no one's home. Police say the thief has gained entry, in most cases, by prying open or breaking a rear sliding-glass door or window.
In some instances, the burglar has cut phone lines and pepper-sprayed the dog. Because he was seen in some of the neighborhoods and was described in the same way, detectives at the Fair Oaks District Station believe the same person is responsible for all the break-ins.
The suspect is described as a light-complected, black male in his 20s, 5 feet 9 inches, with a stocky build and short brown hair. Anyone with information about him, his whereabouts or any of the incidents is asked to call police at 703-691-2131.
Meanwhile, police advise residents to be extra alert and aware of strangers in their neighborhoods. "People who do stay home can help by keeping an eye on their neighbors' homes," said police spokeswoman Jacqui Smith. "And if they do see anybody suspicious, they should report him to the police." She also noted that police already have extra daylight patrols in these areas.
The burglaries have been in Centreville, Clifton and Fairfax. Three homes were burglarized in Fair Lakes and three in Centre Ridge. The culprit also struck twice in Centreville's Compton Village and in Clifton's Rockpointe community. The incidents, in order of occurrence, were as follows:
* 5900 block of Wildbrook Court in Centreville's Little Rocky Run;
* 5500 block of Chestermill Drive in Hampton Forest;
* 1300 block of Quail Creek Lane in Fair Lakes, off Stringfellow Road, near I-66 — three incidents;
* 5700 block of Hampton Forest Way in the Hampton Forest community;
* 6800 block of Ridge Water Court in Compton Village — two incidents;
* 6900 block of Compton Valley Court in Centreville's Compton Heights;
* 13000 block of Cobble Lane in Rockpointe — two incidents;
* 5500 block of Willow Valley Road in Clifton, just east of Clifton Road;
* 13000 block of Kilby Landing Court in the Clifton Manor community;
* 14000 block of Belt Buckle Court in Centreville's Centre Ridge community — three incidents;
* 14000 block of Eagle Button Court in Centre Ridge; and
* 5800 block of Stone Creek Court in Centreville's Stonehenge community.