Police in Abingtown Township, Pa., just outside Philadelphia are warning that an organized group of thieves is specifically targeting Asian American business owners “due to the stereotype that Asian business owners have items of high value in their homes.”
Police, in their statement, cited a burglary on July 31 and break-in on Aug. 6 in which a resident was assaulted and injured.
“Abington Detectives have determined that both of these homes were specifically targeted because the residents are Asian American and own or operate businesses in the area,” police said. ”This is a particularly disturbing, and nation-wide crime trend where organized groups of thieves are targeting the homes of Asian American business owners due to the stereotype that Asian business owners have items of high value in their homes. The suspects have been known to conduct surveillance of the Asian-owned businesses to learn the life patterns of the owners, and then follow them home from work to learn where they live. The Abington Police Department is working closely with other local departments to share intelligence on similar break-ins that have occurred recently.”
Police urged residents to be aware of unfamiliar cars in their neighborhoods and anyone who might be following them home. They also suggested motion sensor lighting to help deter break-ins, plus cameras and alarms.
Citing police, 6abc Philadelphia reported that the businesses are in Philadelphia and their owners were followed home to Abington Township. View 6abc’s report below:
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