Police has said that six people arrested in a Northern Virginia burglary ring allegedly targeting gold jewelry owned by South Asians have been released.

The Washington Post reported on Monday that the ring zeroed in on gold handed down in Indian and South Asian families who, as a matter of culture, give their children gold as gifts or heirlooms, sometimes woven into saris or other clothing.

The newspaper also said that the burglary victims have not recovered a single item of property.

Ashok Narayan of the Fair Oaks area, who estimated his loss to be $120,000 in gold and jewels, said, "We're very upset at the whole situation. It's a devastating part of the whole experience."

The Post further said that the case against the suspects fell apart when it went to court. The defendants did not have any stolen property on them when arrested and no stolen property or evidence was found when police searched the motel in Alexandria, Va., where they had stayed.

Fairfax. Va., police were not commenting on their handling of the case but said the investigation is continuing.

It was also noted by the report that police have recovered a vehicle, owned by one of those previously arrested, containing a laptop, a clipboard with blank invoices, binoculars and a GPS unit. A backpack in the vehicle contained a crowbar and two long screwdrivers, the Post said. (With Inputs from Agencies)