POLICE: Rash of Break-Ins in Atlantic County NJ Appear to Be Targeting Asians

Police in Atlantic County, NJ have issued a warning about recent burglaries that may be bias-related.

Egg Harbor Township Department's Criminal Investigations Bureau recently shared a Public Safety Announcement after several burglaries involving the homes of Asian-American business owners.

Get our free mobile app

In particular, multiple Asian-American nail salon and massages parlor owners in EHT have been affected.

Similar break-ins have reportedly occurred in Hamilton Township and Absecon, according to 6abc.com.

Police indicate the thieves may be monitoring the comings and goings of the business owners and even some employees, making themselves aware of when the proprietors are at work and using that time to strike their homes and steal what they can.

EHT Police report the suspects appear to be working in groups of three to four males and up to at least one female. All of the suspected robbers appear to be wearing face masks in recovered surveillance footage. They reportedly force their way into the homes while they're unoccupied, usually through a backyard window or door, and toss the residence looking for money, designer accessories, and jewelry.

Police say the suspects have been observed driving one or several late-model SUV's with out-of-state tags.

There is speculation the same group may be responsible for all of these home invasions, but nothing has been confirmed.

If you have any information that may help police solve these crimes, you're urged to contact police in EHT, Hamilton Twp., or Absecon.