Share this @internewscast.com

Police in North Texas have arrested five people in connection with a string of burglaries that appear to have targeted the Asian American community recently. 

The suspects were arrested on felony charges of engaging in organized criminal activity after they allegedly approached Asian American homes dressed as delivery workers, first ensuring that the homes were empty, Plano police department officials said. The thefts took place across several days starting on Oct. 29. 

Jennifer Chapman, the department’s public information officer, told NBC News that Asian Americans may have been targeted because of the tendency of some community members to store large sums of cash or other valuables in their homes. 

Attorneys for four of the suspects — Juan Pinto-Rodriguez, 32 ; Luis Tafur-Tovar, 33; Helmer Patino-Calderon, 43; and Jeisson Tafur-Tovar, 29 —  did not respond to NBC News’ request for comment. Wesley Spencer, who represents the fifth suspect, Adrianna Abello-Ruiz, 24, had not yet met with his client and declined to comment. 

Chapman said that the suspects, all from the Houston area, stayed at an Airbnb in Dallas. They went to the victims’ homes in the middle of the day, Chapman said, before cutting off the electricity, which turned off surveillance cameras. 

Police caught the suspects after they tried to break into a home where the residents, who were napping, called authorities.

“There was a pattern that the detectives and our crime analysts noticed,” Chapman said. “The way that they were cutting the electric boxes was very distinct. That’s something that does not always occur in these types of burglaries.”

Plano is home to a significant Asian American community, which makes up more than one-fifth of the city’s total population, according to the Census.

Chapman said that burglaries targeting Asian Americans in the area are not uncommon, and that for the past several years, the department’s Crime Prevention Unit has hosted meetings for Asian American residents with the aim of helping them better protect themselves and their property. To avoid similar incidents, Chapman said that it’s critical for community members to document their belongings. Additionally, residents should make noise when they hear a knock at the door, Chapman said. 

“People are showing up in the afternoon,” she said. “Don’t remain quiet inside. Saying, ‘Hello’ or ‘How can I help you?’ You don’t have to open the door. That way, the person does know that there’s somebody in there and hopefully they just move on.”

The suspects were being held at the Collin County Jail. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Immigration operation at California cannabis farms leads to clash between federal agents and protesters

Federal Immigration Raid on California Cannabis Farms Sparks Confrontation with Protesters

On Thursday, demonstrators confronted federal officials during an immigration raid at a…
Fifth paralyzed patient implanted with Musk-backed Neuralink chip

Neuralink Installs Brain Chip in Fifth Paralyzed Patient

A fifth paralyzed patient has been implanted with a Neuralink chip backed…
SBU Colonel Ivan Voronych, 50, was shot dead by a masked assassin in Kyiv

Putin Supporters Celebrate Bold Daytime Assassination of Ukrainian Spy Chief, Hint at Kremlin Involvement

VLADIMIR Putin’s associates have openly celebrated the bold assassination of the Ukrainian…
Chicago's 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. wants son to replace him in City Council after retirement, drawing criticism

Chicago Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. faces backlash for proposing his son as successor in City Council’s 27th Ward after retirement

The longest-tenured member of the Chicago City Council is stepping down at…
Samaritan's Purse volunteers bring faith and supplies to Texans in need

Samaritan’s Purse volunteers deliver faith and aid to struggling Texans

Samaritan’s Purse volunteers are no strangers to disasters, and they are currently…
Aryna Sabalenka in heated Wimbledon moment with Amanda Anisimova

Tense Wimbledon Showdown: Aryna Sabalenka vs. Amanda Anisimova

Sorry, not sorry. The final stretch of Amanda Anisimova’s upset of top…
Protesters and federal agents clash during raid at Southern California farm

Clash Erupts Between Protesters and Federal Agents During Southern California Farm Raid

A clash broke out on Thursday involving protesters and federal agents conducting…
Archaeologist unearths mysterious Christian settlement hidden away for centuries

Archaeologist Discovers Long-Lost Christian Settlement Hidden for Centuries

An archaeologist recently discovered what are likely the remains of a long-lost…
The NEA's antisemitic ADL split: Letters

The NEA and ADL Division: Examining the Antisemitic Allegations

The Issue: The National Education Association cuts ties with the Anti-Defamation League.…

Ashley Biden Defends Former President Soon After Doctor Declines Testifying on Cognitive Concerns

ASHLEY Biden has spoken out online for the first time, making a…
Las Vegas woman describing shark attack in Florida.

Woman Attacked by Shark in Florida, Suffers Large ‘Barracuda-Sized Bite’ During Her First Visit

A VISITOR was severely injured when a shark bit her during her…
Angela Paxton at her husband's impeachment trial.

Senator Angela Paxton Announces Divorce from Texas Attorney General Ken on Biblical Grounds After Nearly 40 Years of Marriage

TEXAS Senator Angela Paxton has filed for divorce from her attorney general…