Authorities investigating thefts at federal buildings

By The Post's Josh White

Arlington County police and federal authorities are investigating a series of recent thefts from office buildings that they believe have been carried out by people who have been posing as legitimate workers with fake identity badges.

Authorities said they believe the suspect or suspects have been hanging around entrances to office buildings, including those that house government offices, and have been gaining entry by following workers inside or being allowed in. Law enforcement officials said it appears the thefts target personal possessions -- such as wallets, purses, credit cards and cash -- belonging to those who work in the offices. Law enforcement agencies urged people to use caution when allowing anyone into secure buildings and to always ensure that people wearing badges scan themselves in.

Arlington County police said they are looking into the cases along with the U.S. Secret Service. A spokesman for the Secret Service declined to comment because of the ongoing investigation.

The Atlantic reported Monday that a Defense Department memo warned that the thieves use laminated badges hanging from lanyards and that one of the buildings targeted included a State Department office containing classified materials.