Multiple Car Thefts reported at Largo Plaza in Washington DC – NBC4

A string of smash-and-grab robberies has been causing concern among shoppers and businesses at Largo Plaza in Maryland. Cars have been consistently broken into at the shopping center, impacting local businesses like Phenix Salon Suites. Renaldo Williams, owner of The Grooming Lounge, mentioned that during the daytime, the area has become particularly bad, requiring people to stay vigilant while they work. Williams has maintained his hair-cutting services, stressing the importance of vigilance for himself and his customers. He noted the lack of police presence in the area, which has been concerning for business owners like him.

Just a few doors down from The Grooming Lounge, another stylist, Andrea Butler, was affected by the robberies. One of her colleagues discovered a break-in in Butler’s car, prompting her to go outside and assess the situation. Hours later, another instance of break-ins occurred in the parking lot, with smashed windows and broken glass left behind. Williams shared his observations of young individuals wearing masks who quickly broke into cars and disappeared within seconds. Despite multiple reports to the police, no arrests have been made in connection to these incidents.

Residents in the neighborhoods surrounding Largo Plaza have echoed similar concerns about parked cars being targeted for break-ins. Last year, Phenix Salon Suites experienced another crime when someone drove a truck through a back wall to steal the ATM. In response to the ongoing criminal activity, the stylists at Phenix have started advising their customers on parking in more visible areas with higher foot traffic. Both Williams and Butler have emphasized the need for increased police patrols and officer presence in the area, beyond just security patrols. However, no progress has been made in apprehending the perpetrators responsible for the car break-ins.