Thefts From Vehicles, Restaurant Tip Jar Stolen: Vienna Police Report

VIENNA, VA — Vienna Police have taken more reports of thefts from vehicles as the DC region continues to see an uptick in car thefts and break-ins.

In the latest weekly crime report, Vienna Police responded to a theft in the 400 block of Druid Hill Road. The theft happened between midnight and 7:52 a.m. on Dec. 5. The resident reported to police a wallet was stolen from an unlocked vehicle after receiving an alert about an unauthorized credit card purchase.

Another theft was reported between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Dec. 8 at a parking garage at 111 Church Street NW. A resident reported jewelry, a purse, a large amount of cash and other items were stolen from a locked vehicle. Police said there were no signs of forced entry or damage.

Two other break-ins were reported on Dec. 9. Between 2 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. in the 800 block of Cottage Street SW, a resident reported two locked vehicles were rummaged through with nothing stolen. Between 3:30 a.m. and 4 a.m. in the 900 block of Plum Street SW, a resident reported a person rummaged through an unlocked vehicle and stole a coin purse with change.

In the weekly crime reports, Vienna Police have noted an increase in vehicle thefts and break-ins especially impacting the Northern Virginia area. The incidents typically happen in the early morning hours between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. Suspects may search through unlocked cars and may steal vehicles when keys are left inside. Vienna Police may work with law enforcement in other jurisdictions to investigate these crimes.

Vienna Police encourage residents to secure their vehicles, take keys inside, lock doors of homes and garages, and stay alert to suspicious activity. Anyone who notices suspicious vehicles or people can contact police. Residents who have security camera footage are encouraged to share with police if they capture videos of incidents.

Here are other notable incidents in the latest weekly crime report in Vienna. Anyone with information about an incident can contact Vienna Police at 703-255-6366.

Petit Larceny 22-011801
1400 Block Cottage Street, SW
December 10 8:51 p.m.
A resident reported that a delivered Amazon package was stolen.

Petit Larceny 22-011845
Magnolia Dessert Bar & Coffee, 431 Maple Avenue, West
December 12 9:30 p.m.
An employee reported that two men approached the restaurant, and one of them entered the business and stole the tip jar. The two men then fled to a vehicle that was parked near Wawa.

Arrest – Narcotics and Reckless Driving 22-011849
Wawa 465 Maple Avenue, West
December 13 3:22 a.m.
An employee reported that a man who had previously shoplifted from the store was back in the business. When the employee confronted the man, he threw a glass bottle at the door and left the store. The employee followed the man into the parking lot. The man quickly left the parking lot, almost striking the employee with his vehicle. Officers located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. Upon the officer’s interaction with the man, they found he had narcotics. Ofc. Crandall arrested the 20-year-old man from Vienna. He was transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center where he was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Underage Possession of Marijuana, and Reckless Driving.

Animal Case 22-011858
900 Block Meadow Lane, SW
December 13 1:15 p.m.
The Animal Control Officer responded to the report of a cat that was struck by a vehicle. He transported the cat to the Hope Advanced Veterinary Center where it was determined to be deceased. The officer was unable to locate the cat’s owner.

Arrest – Drunk In Public 22-011903
Cedar Lane School 101 Cedar Lane, SW
December 15 2:40 a.m.
An officer observed a vehicle in the school’s parking lot with significant damage and a woman in the passenger side of the vehicle. Upon his interaction with the woman, the officer detected signs of impairment and she could not explain what she was doing in the parking lot. Ofc. Rodriguez arrested the 40-year-old woman from Vienna. She was transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center where she was charged with Drunk In Public and her vehicle was towed from the parking lot.