Asian Americans Targeted By Burglars In Abington Twp.

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA —Abington Township Police are saying that burglars are targeting the homes and businesses of Asian Americans.

Abington Police said on July 31, a home was burglarized in the 1300 block of Carol Road in the township's Meadowbrook section.

The burglary occurred during the day when no one was home, police said.

On Aug. 6, another break-in occurred in the unit block of Lee Lynn Lane in the township's Huntingdon Valley section.

The incident occurred during the overnight hours, and the residents were home at the time of the break-in. One of the residents was injured when they were assaulted by one of the two suspects, who stole items from the home before fleeing the scene.

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.

"This is a particularly disturbing, and nationwide 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," police said.

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 Township Police Department is working closely with other local departments to share intelligence on similar break-ins that have occurred recently.

Combatting this trend is a top priority for the Abington Police Department, and we are asking for the community’s assistance. If you see anything suspicious in your neighborhood should call 911 immediately.

All residents —in particular, those who own and operate Asian businesses —should take the following preventive steps:

• Be aware of cars in the neighborhood that aren’t normally there
• Be aware of anyone who might be following you home
• Give thought to how you secure valuables in your house
• Motion sensor lighting on the front and back of a home will help deter break-ins
• Install surveillance cameras on or around the home and business
• Consider having a home or business alarm system installed