No Suspects in Del Ray Business Break-ins

Members of the Alexandria Police Department briefed the Del Ray Citizens Association on Monday night on the recent uptick of crime in the area, including two robbery incidents, two business break-ins and two home break-ins in the last month.

During the week of Jan. 14, two gunpoint robbery incidents were reported in Del Ray, including a hold-up at Tsim Yung Chinese Carryout on Mount Vernon Avenue.

On Jan. 21, a laptop, iPad and cash were stolen in a nighttime break-in at The Happy Tart bakery on Mount Vernon Avenue. An iPad and cash were stolen during a break-in at VeloCity Bicycle Cooperative on Mount Vernon Avenue that was reported on Jan. 30.

On Feb. 1, two iPads and a laptop were stolen during a break-in at a residence in the 300 block of E. Spring Street. A Cartier watch was stolen during a break-in on Feb. 5 in the 200 block of W. Walnut Street.

For the quickest updates, "like" Del Ray Patch on Facebook and follow @delraypatch on Twitter.

Sergeant Mike Kochis of the APD’s Violent Crimes Unit said the two gunpoint robbery incidents, including a failed robbery in the 500 block of E. Windsor Avenue on Jan. 14, are considered unrelated. There are different suspects in each incident.    

“We’re working rigorously on these cases,” Kochis said. “They’re still active investigations.”

The robbery incidents are not believed to be related to the two recent business break-ins, Kochis said.

Detective Julie Goble said there are currently no suspects in the two nighttime business thefts.

“There are similar MOs, but at this point we don’t have any evidence and no suspect,” Goble said. “CSI did not find anything except glove prints. There was no forced entry. The businesses were entered through windows not working correctly or possible user error, someone not locking them.”

Goble reminded business owners to do perimeter checks of their windows and other points of entry to make sure they are secure.

As for the home break-ins, Goble said she believes they’re unrelated to the business break-ins, despite the similar hauls. She said she has already secured warrants for the arrest of suspects connected to the home break-ins.

Goble recommended residents utilize iCloud with their Apple products or programs like Find iPhone to help police track stolen electronic devices and suspects. She also recommended residents record the serial numbers on as many households items as possible and to keep a printed copy somewhere safe. Serial numbers assist police track stolen property through things like Virginia’s pawn database.

If you’re inside your home when someone tries to enter, Goble said residents should secure themselves first in a locked room and then call 911. She said it’s important for residents to stay on the line with the 911 operator as well.

Most home break-ins happen during the day when it’s perceived its residents are at work, Goble said, while business thefts typically happen at night.