Victims Apparently Targeted for Religion, Culture

As many as 16 Fairfax County burglaries may be the work of the same suspects, who apparently have targeted homes of people with Asian backgrounds, sometimes by spotting depictions of a prominent Hindu deity.

In a statement released Friday, police said they believe the series of apparently related incidents began in January. The latest was July 28, and most have been in the western part of the county.

Police said in their statement that victims in several burglaries "had religious ornaments displayed outside or around their homes." They said that detectives think the decorations "may be a contributing factor" in the choice of homes to burglarize.

In an interview Friday night, one victim, Anjana Varkhedkar, said "quite a few" of the victims with Indian backgrounds had a garland -- a decoration associated with India -- on their doors.

In addition, she said that the door of her house had a small representation of Ganesha, a Hindu deity with the face of an elephant. Its presence is generally regarded as a good omen.

Accounts of other burglaries in the series also cite the presence of a representation of Ganesha, a patron of wisdom, intellect and success.

Varkhedkar said homes with Indian connections might have been targeted because many of their owners may possess jewelry, for its intrinsic and heirloom value.

Police said jewelry, electronics and passports have been commonly stolen items in the incidents, which have occurred in four police districts.