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Fairfax County detectives are investigating eight residential burglaries targeting Asian American victims, most of them local business owners, after thieves stole safes, cash, jewelry, designer handbags, clothing and gold bars.

The burglaries occurred over two months across Woodlawn, Jefferson Manor, Fair Oaks, McLean and nearby communities. Investigators have not determined whether all eight cases are connected, but they have identified several similarities.

In most cases, intruders forced their way into homes, searched primary bedrooms and removed safes. Some also disconnected Wi-Fi or other electronics in an apparent effort to avoid detection.

Detectives believe the burglars may conduct surveillance before choosing their targets. Major Jim Curry of the Fairfax County Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Bureau described the cases as “organized burglaries” and said many victims were small-business owners who may have kept cash at home.

Police are asking residents to report suspicious people and vehicles and to share relevant footage from outdoor security cameras.

The first reported case occurred at 5:03 p.m. Jan. 12 in the 3200 block of Holly Berry Court in Annandale. A woman returned home and discovered that jewelry was missing, although investigators found no evidence of forced entry.

Nearby surveillance video recorded before the burglary showed three people, who appeared to be women, walking through the yard.

The other reported burglaries were:

  • At 9:07 p.m. Jan. 15, officers responded to the 3800 block of Roxbury Court in Woodlawn. A rear door had been broken, and the home was ransacked. Jewelry, handbags, a safe and $7,000 in cash were reported stolen.

  • At 6:41 p.m. Feb. 6, officers were called to the 2700 block of School Street in Jefferson Manor. Intruders shattered a rear window and ransacked the home before taking a safe and jewelry worth $40,000.

  • At 6:36 p.m. Feb. 12, officers responded to the 2600 block of Fort Drive in Fair Haven in Mount Vernon. Burglars forced open a second-floor balcony door and stole a safe containing $7,500 in jewelry and $6,000 in cash.

  • At 7:31 p.m. Feb. 17, police were called to the 2900 block of Graham Road in Woodley North, a Falls Church-area neighborhood. Intruders broke a rear glass door and stole handbags, jewelry valued at $80,000 and $100,000 in cash.

  • At 9:30 p.m. Feb. 19, officers responded to the 4200 block of Kerrigan Lane in Fair Oaks. A rear door had been broken and the home ransacked. More than $10,000 in jewelry, handbags and cash was reported stolen.

  • At 10:40 p.m. Feb. 20, officers went to the 7200 block of Evans Mill Road in McLean. Burglars broke a rear glass door and took jewelry, cash, gold bars and clothing valued at $100,000.

  • At 9:56 a.m. Feb. 21, officers responded to the 1300 block of Northwyck Court in McLean. The residents returned from vacation to find their home rummaged through and $50,000 in jewelry missing. Entry had been forced through a basement door.

Police recommend installing security cameras and exterior lighting, reinforcing doors and maintaining community awareness.

Suspicious activity can be reported to the police department’s non-emergency number at 703-691-2131. Residents should call 911 during an emergency.