There have been at least two burglaries and two other attempts against construction workers in the DC area in the past 72 hours, and police are asking workers to be vigilant.
Authorities said they knew they were dealing with a spate of burglaries that are connected because the descriptions of the suspects match: They first study their victims and then get out of a vehicle with guns drawn and demand their belongings.
The victim of one of the robberies that occurred on Monday said he cannot sleep.
“They arrived, they parked in one go, they got out with the gun. They put the gun to my head… they took my things without telling me anything,” he said.
He assured that they not only took his cell phone, cash and his wallet; They also took away his peace of mind and that of his companions.
“It scares me even to come to work,” the victim said. “My colleagues are all afraid of everything that happened.”
A witness and co-worker of the victim said that he had to flee from the crime.
“I’m scared, looking everywhere because suddenly they can come to you again,” the witness continued. “Actually, you don’t carry much, and suddenly they can attack you.”
The robberies occurred at 5034 Sheriff Road and 5821 Field Place. Both places are located in the northeast of the city.
“These people are on a mission to rob Latinos,” said José González-Tirado, the liaison between the Hispanic community and the DC police. “Construction workers–criminals in DC unfortunately know that they carry money money (and) very rarely do they call the police.”
In that case, authorities are looking for two African-American men wearing a gray flannel and green pants and a black flannel and black pants in a dark gray Infiniti four-door.
“The recommendations are number one that they are aware of what is happening around them. If they see someone who is suspicious, call (the police),” González-Tirado continued. “And also that if they are working outside they are not alone and if they are working inside a house that they close the doors and windows.”
Police said they have tightened security around construction sites in the city in an effort to prevent these thefts. They also ask the community not to be afraid to report regardless of their immigration status.
