Robbers Hit Dry Cleaners in Dupont, Shaw

Young thieves robbed two dry cleaners in Dupont Circle and Shaw yesterday, police said.

The robberies happened at Happy Cleaners (1509 17th St. NW) about 10:45 a.m. and Red Valet Cleaners (910 P St. NW) about 1:15 p.m. It wasn’t immediately clear if the crimes were connected.

At Happy Cleaners, about a half-dozen boys entered the shop and took $160 from a cash register, which one of them opened, according to authorities. They then fled.

Police released this tweet with suspect descriptions:

Alert: Robbery at 10:45 hours hrs in the 1500 block of 17th Street, NW. Lookout for 5 TO 6 B/M WEARING ALL BLACK CLOTHING/SHORT HAIR

— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) December 20, 2016

As for Red Valet Cleaners, two teenage boys walked into the store and took money from a cash register when two employees were in the back of the shop, according to authorities. One of the workers tried to stop one of the thieves by grabbing his arm, but let go after becoming scared.

The robbers eventually ran off with $172 in cash.

Police released this tweet with suspect descriptions:

Confirmed Robbery at 1313 hrs in the 900 blk P. Str. NW . LOF: 2B/M's, 16 to 17 to 19 years old and wearing black jacket. pic.twitter.com/ImcRdWuOd2

— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) December 20, 2016