Police Investigate Rash of Break-Ins at Rosslyn Garages

Arlington Police are investigating a rash of vehicle break-ins this month, most of which have taken place in two Rosslyn parking garages.

Saturday around 2:30 a.m., at least 14 damaged vehicles were discovered in a garage at 1601 Clarendon Blvd.

Then early Sunday morning, at least five vehicles parked along the street in a nearby neighborhood were targeted. The month began with about 17 vehicles hit in a parking garage in the 1900 block of N. Lynn Street.

"The ... similarity is suspects are smashing passenger side windows to gain entry into cars. They are rifling through things looking for stuff to easily conceal," said Dustin Sternbeck, Arlington County Police Department spokesman.

Sternbeck said in some cases the thief or thieves got laptops, GPS units or other electronics out of the vehicles.  He said investigators are exploring the possibility that the cases this month are connected.

One driver who leases a space in the garage along Clarendon Boulevard said he's not surprised to hear about the incidents.

"It happens with all these open garages. It's happened in our building which is across the street as well. It's not a freak situation," said Steve Su. "It's definitely not good, which is why you want to have insurance."

Su said he's careful not leave anything behind in his car.

Police offer the same advice. They also caution drivers pay close attention if someone is following them into a garage late at night. In the recent Arlington break-ins, garages had both private and public parking space. The public areas were closed off after midnight but the suspect or suspects found other ways into the garages.

Contact Us