PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Police in Montgomery County are warning the public of a crime trend targeting Asian American business owners.
According to Abington Township police, organized groups of thieves are scoping out businesses run by Asian Americans. Officials believe they are being targeted because of stereotypes that they might have expensive items in their homes.
Police say the thieves watch the business owners to learn their patterns and follow them home. The thieves strike at a later date, when they are sure no one is home.
Police have identified 25-year-old Fredy Alexander Beltran-Ortiz as a suspect in one of these incidents. Authorities say he was one of three men who broke into a Huntington Valley home in August 2022 and stole $10,000 worth of cash, jewelry and valuables.
Using DNA evidence, Beltran-Ortiz was tracked down in Queens, New York. He was arrested in July and transferred from Rikers Island jail to Abington Township on Monday.
Beltran-Ortiz faces five burglary-related felony charges.
Police are urging people to be more aware of their surroundings, like irregular cars in their neighborhood, and look out for anyone who might be following them home. They also advise installing motion sensor lighting and surveillance cameras, or even a home or business alarm system.
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