As the Christmas holiday season approaches, leading into the New Year and the Chinese lunar New Year, authorities and communities are extending warm wishes to the public while also reminding everyone to be vigilant against theft, particularly Asian and Chinese households. Thieves are aware that Asian families tend to keep cash and valuables at home and target them accordingly, even going as far as installing surveillance devices in certain locations to break in when the owners are away.
Recently, the Town of Colonie Police Department in upstate New York issued a statement on social media warning about individuals posing as delivery drivers knocking on doors to verify if anyone is home before forcefully entering.
The Chinese Community Center in New York state urged community members to “remain vigilant and be aware of their surroundings,” suggesting the installation of surveillance systems, especially around the Chinese New Year period.
One reason why Asian households are easy targets is the cultural tendency to avoid conflict, leading to underreporting of theft incidents even when they occur.
Following several thefts targeting Asian families, law enforcement in Colonie Town has stepped up patrols in the affected communities.
According to CBS News, reports of Asian home break-ins represent a nationwide trend. In Colorado, around 100 cases of residential burglaries involving Asian residents have been reported this year. Authorities in Douglas County, Colorado, noted that Asian communities are targeted due to their tendency to keep “large amounts of cash” at home rather than in banks.
Police in Colorado revealed that thieves may even use Wi-Fi jammers to disrupt alarm system signals. Suspects monitor the homes they target by installing external cameras to ensure no one is present during theft attempts.
Similar incidents have been reported in Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon, New Hampshire, and New York.
In Oregon’s Eugene County, thefts targeting Asian families have been rampant. In June of this year, a burglary ring targeting Asian households was dismantled, resulting in the arrest of six individuals. In November, the county police department issued a theft prevention notice on social media, listing commonly stolen items including laptops, electronics, jewelry, cash, and other valuable items.
The notice offered theft prevention tips, including:
(1) Locking all doors and windows, using deadbolts where available; (2) Installing surveillance cameras for real-time crime alerts; (3) Using timers for television and lights when away; (4) Closing blinds and having exterior lights on at night when out; (5) Making the house appear occupied when away or having someone stay at your home; (6) Coordination with neighbors to watch each other’s property when leaving; (7) Arranging checks for vacation homes when absent; (8) Avoid keeping large amounts of cash at home.
It is known that some criminals collaborate to steal large safes. If you have a safe, ensure it is correctly and securely installed.
Be attentive to suspicious individuals or vehicles near your vicinity or business locations.