Police are on the look out for a woman they believe may be responsible for a number of thefts at local art stores.
Alexandria police said they have been investigating a year-long series of thefts in Old Town and a suspect has emerged based on a security video from one of the victim shops.
In the past year, there have been 12 cases of paintings and other fine art being stolen from antique and art galleries in Old Town. The most recent cases occurred on Oct. 22, when two shops, located at 524 North Washington Street and 208 King Street, were victimized within an hour of each other.
A lone female suspect wearing or carrying a long jacket was seen at most of the shops. Detectives think the woman may have altered the jacket to quickly conceal valuable merchandise as she pretends to shop.
MANY VICTIMS provided police with similar suspect descriptions. Police describe the suspect as a woman of unknown race or ethnicity; she has an olive complexion and freckles. She is between 37 and 45 years of age and has dark harir with some gray. She is described as approximately 5-feet, 6 inches tall and weighing between 120 and 130 pounds.
Anyone knowing the suspect's identity is asked to call Alexandria police at 703-838-4711.