Police Arrest Three Men in Connection With Recent Burglaries

Alexandria detectives have arrested three men responsible for a spate of burglaries in the northeast area of the city over the last month, including crimes in Old Town and Del Ray.

Alexandria City residents Demarious White, 19, Cordell Walker, 19, and Deshawn Strattman, 18, have been charged with burglary, grand larceny and larceny with the intent to sell.

These charges stem from burglaries in the 100 block of Sanborn Place, the 100 block of E. Uhler Avenue and the 600 block of North Alfred Street. The suspects are being held at the Adult Detention Center without bond.

Police Department spokeswoman Ashlie Hildebrandt said police believe these criminals are responsible for the recent surge in crime in Del Ray.

The Del Ray neighborhood recently had experienced residential burglaries occurring between noon and 7 p.m.  The suspects had been using force to gain entry into rear or side doors.  Laptops, jewelry, televisions and cash were the items mostly targeted. 

There was also a rash of thefts from vehicles, which generally were unlocked and parked in a driveway.

The Police Department said it had been able to identify emerging crime patterns, which enabled it to roll out a plan to stop the criminals.

The plan included increased patrol, the use of specialty units to do surveillance and foot patrol and the usage of sign boards in the effected neighborhoods. 

Liaison officers attended civic and community meetings, disseminated crime prevention materials and offered home security assessments to residents.

The department and City Councilman Rob Krupicka, who is a Del Ray resident, to discuss police efforts on the rising crime.

All of these efforts were in collaboration with detectives in the Criminal Investigations Section. Ultimately, detectives developed a lead in the cases which led to the arrest of these suspects.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges or suspects may be pending, according to the police.