Troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police are issuing a warning to Asian American owners of restaurants after a series of suspected targeted burglaries across the state.
Advertisements
In a statement Monday, troopers said close to $1 million in cash and personal property has been taken in the series of burglaries statewide that have targeted the homes of Asian Americans who own Chinese food restaurants.
“The actors appear to operate as a team, with one person acting as a lookout while one or two enter the home, primarily taking cash and jewelry. Another team member waits in a getaway vehicle,” state police said in a statement.
“Investigators believe the burglars watch the houses they target, observing the activity patterns of residents to determine when the home will be unoccupied. They usually disguise themselves, sometimes by wearing yellow safety vests or posing as landscapers. The burglaries are carried out quickly, with the actors in the residence for 30 minutes or less,” they added.
Advertisements
Troopers said the suspects learned where the restaurant owners resided by entering their cars for registration cards, installing makeshift tracking devices on their cars, or following them home from their businesses.
“While many of these crimes occurred in the northeastern part of the state, similar burglaries have been reported across the commonwealth,” said Colonel Robert Evanchick, the commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “We want business owners to be aware of this trend and take preventive measures.”
Advertisements
According to troopers, federal prosecutors indicted eight people accused of running a similar ring in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Delaware.
The Pennsylvania State Police offered these preventive tips:
- Secure cash and valuables in your home.
- Be aware of individuals and vehicles in your neighborhood that aren’t usually there.
- Install motion sensor lights around your home.
- Consider having surveillance cameras and an alarm system installed.
- Keep your vehicle locked while at work and secure registration information.
- Be aware of anyone who might be following you home.
- Report suspicious activity to your local police department.
Advertisements
Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies
