McLean Remains Targeted Area For Recent Fairfax Co. Car Thefts

MCLEAN, VA — Fairfax County Police continue to look into a string of car thefts that have taken place since the beginning of June around the county. But authorities reported on Friday that the majority of the incidents have taken place in McLean.

Of the 27 car thefts that have been reported, 15 have taken place in the McLean district, police said. The vehicles have been stolen primarily during the overnight hours and police investigations have shown that the suspects entered unlocked vehicles with the keys left inside.

Police reported that detectives have also learned that suspects have used garage door openers or have forced their way into local homes in at least three incidents. In these cases, police said that the suspects stole personal belongings as well as the keys to vehicles and then stole one or more vehicles, police said.

The suspects in these cases typically travel in groups of two or three. In several instances, the suspects have been described as ranging from their teens to 30 years old. Detectives believe the suspects may be armed.

In addition to the 15 car thefts that have taken place in McLean, four have been reported in Franconia, three in Mount Vernon and two in the Reston and West Springfield districts. The other incident took place in Fair Oaks.

Detectives have discovered commonalities with these vehicle thefts and are looking into the possibility of other related incidents. Some of these vehicles have been recovered in surrounding communities, police said.

If anyone information about these crimes, they are encouraged to reach out to their local district station or submit a tip anonymously through Crime Solvers. Tips can be submitted by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), by text – Type “FCCS” plus tip to 847411, and by web –Click HERE. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards of $100 to $1,000 if their information leads to an arrest.