Detectives from FCPD Criminal Investigations Division are investigating eight residential burglaries targeting Asian American victims, most of whom are local business owners. In each case, suspects forced entry into the home and stole items including safes, cash, jewelry, designer handbags, and clothing, FCPD said.

Over the last two months, detectives have investigated the burglaries across the area in Woodlawn, Jefferson Manor, Fair Oaks, McLean and smaller communities in between. Police are still determining if the cases are connected, but there are similarities. In most cases, the suspects target master bedrooms, remove safes, and in some cases disconnect Wi-Fi or other electronics to avoid detection, police said. Detectives believe the suspects conduct pre-surveillance to determine their targets and police are asking for community members to call when suspicious people or vehicles are seen in their community.

“Cases like this, we’re often relying on our communities,” said FCPD Major Jim Curry in the Criminal Investigation Bureau. Curry called these crimes “organized burglaries.” Many of the victims are small business owners and may have cash at home, Curry said. Somehow the burglary suspects found out about this, he added.

On Jan. 12, at 5:03 p.m., officers responded to the 3200 block of Holly Berry Court in Annandale for a report on burglary. When the victim returned home, she noticed her jewelry was missing. There were no signs of forced entry. Surveillance footage was located nearby prior to the burglary occurring.

On the video, three people are seen wandering through the yard. They appear to be three women. Curry said police are relying on these types of videos and recommended that other neighbors with outside video surveillance to contact police. The burglaries included:

* On Jan. 15, at 9:07 p.m., officers responded to the 3800 block of Roxbury Court in Woodlawn for a burglary report. The rear back door was broken and the home was ransacked. The victim reported jewelry, handbags, a safe, and $7,000 in cash were stolen.

* On Feb. 6, at 6:41 p.m., officers responded to the 2700 block of School Street in Jefferson Manor for a burglary report. A rear window was shattered, the home was ransacked, and a safe along with $40,000 worth of jewelry was stolen.

* On Feb. 12, at 6:36 p.m., officers responded to the 2600 block of Fort Drive in Fair Haven in Mount Vernon for a burglary report. The suspects entered the home by forcing entry on the second-floor balcony door. A safe containing $7,500 worth of jewelry and $6,000 in cash were taken.

* On Feb. 17, at 7:31 p.m., officers responded to the 2900 block of Graham Road in the Falls Church neighborhood of Woodley North for a burglary. The suspects entered the home by breaking the rear glass door. Handbags, $80,000 worth of jewelry, and $100,000 in cash were stolen.

* On Feb. 19, at 9:30 p.m., officers responded to the 4200 block of Kerrigan Lane in Fair Oaks for a burglary report. The rear back door was broken and the home was ransacked. Jewelry, handbags, and cash valued at over $10,000 were stolen from her home.

* On Feb. 20, at 10:40 p.m., officers responded to the 7200 block of Evans Mill Road in McLean for a burglary report. Suspects entered the home by breaking the rear glass door. The victims reported jewelry, cash, gold bars, and clothing valuing $100,000 were stolen from the home.

* On Feb. 21, at 9:56 a.m., officers responded to the 1300 block of Northwyck Court in McLean for a burglary report. The victims returned from vacation and found their home rummaged through and jewelry valued at $50,000 missing. The suspects entered the home by forcing entry to the basement door.

FCPD provided a few burglary prevention tips that include security cameras, exterior lighting, reinforcing doors and community awareness.

Report suspicious activity immediately. Call 703-691-2131 to report non-emergency concerns or 911 in an emergency. Timely reporting allows officers to respond quickly and identify patterns, the police said.