The Federal Bureau of Investigation is warning Asian business owners to be vigilant, following a rise in targeted burglaries at their homes. According to federal officials, sophisticated criminal groups are tracking Asian-owned businesses to learn their opening and closing routines. Burglars may even rummage through their cars to get information on where they live. Other times they’ll follow the business owner home, performing surveillance on their targets much like law enforcement and returning to rob the home once the owner returns to work.
The FBI says Asian business owners are being targeted largely because of a stereotype that they have expensive items in their homes and is urging those residents to be aware of their surroundings, keep their cars locked and to consider installing alarm systems both at home and work. The warning comes as bias and hate crimes against Asian Americans have also been on the rise.
