Thieves Target Federal Offices

A group of thieves is targeting federal offices in Washington's Virginia suburbs, The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder reports today.

The criminals take advantage of the ubiquitous ID badge systems used in buildings that house government offices -- and of the courtesy of actual employees of those buildings. Outfitting themselves with fake ID badges hung from lanyards, the thieves loiter near entrances and follow unsuspecting employees into entrances. Once they get in, they steal employees' personal property, including cash and credit cards.

It's not clear yet whether the thieves also might be after sensitive government information. The Secret Service, the Diplomatic Security Service and the Arlington County Police Department are conducting a joint investigation.