Fairfax County Crime Solvers is seeking the public’s help in identifying the people responsible for stealing three vehicles — and taking items from at least 10 others — during the overnight hours of Friday, April 4, to early Saturday, April 5, in Centreville.
According to police, investigators determined that the thieves pulled door handles to find unlocked vehicles parked in residential areas. They then stole property and money from them. In three of those unlocked vehicles, the perpetrators also discovered car keys and were then able to steal the vehicles, as well.
Two of them, a 2007 Toyota Solara and a 2010 Toyota Corolla, were later recovered. The third, a 2010 silver, convertible Ford Mustang with VA license plates XAL-8685, has not yet been found.
Detectives hope someone will see it parked in the area and contact police. Criminals often remove the license plates from the stolen car and replace them with stolen license plates from another car. Community residents are asked to look out for suspicious activity in and around their neighborhoods and report it to police immediately.
Police also remind residents to lock their vehicles’ doors and not leave items of value in them, including keys. This advice especially applies to vehicles parked outside.
“Each of these stolen vehicles requires a micro-chipped key, specific to that particular vehicle, in order to operate it,” say police. “It’s important to note that, if your keys and vehicle are stolen, more than likely the thief now has your house key and address, as well.”
Anyone with information about these thefts is asked to contact Crime solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org, text “TIP187” plus a message to CRIMES/274637 or call police at 703-691-2131. A $100 to $1,000 cash reward will be paid for information leading to an arrest. Callers never have to give their names or appear in court.