Austin Police warn of ‘targeted burglaries’ aimed at Indian and South Asian communities

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department shared safety and prevention tips for what it said is a “common worldwide pattern of burglaries targeting members of the Indian and South Asian cultures.”

APD said in a release the burglaries often happen during significant cultural events like Diwali, which falls on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 this year.

These types of crimes often involve the theft of valuable gold jewelry that holds high sentimental value and cultural significance for the families they belong to, APD said in the release.

“Our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of all our community members by reminding our neighbors to be vigilant and proactive to significantly reduce their risk of becoming victims of burglary,” the release said.

APD included the below crime prevention tips and safety measures:

• Secure your home
• Ensure all windows and doors are securely locked and consider reinforcing entry points
• Make sure alarm systems and surveillance cameras are operational and capable of alerting authorities
• Exterior motion lighting can also act as a deterrent
• Safeguard valuable items
• Consider keeping valuables in a safe deposit box or secure location when you are away
• Keep detailed records of valuables, including photos, descriptions, and serial numbers (if applicable)
• Collaborate with Community
• Stay informed and be aware of crime trends and police advisories
• Promptly report suspicious behavior or vehicles in your neighborhood to help prevent crimes before they occur
• Ask trusted neighbors to keep an eye on your property when you are away

“We value the richness of the diverse cultures in our city and want to emphasize that we remain committed to working with our community to address and prevent these crimes,” APD said.

In a Wednesday afternoon email to KXAN, APD said that this kind of burglary has happened previously in Austin.

“Burglaries of this nature have previously occurred in Austin and surrounding jurisdictions during the periods mentioned in the press release. We will be keeping a close eye on this emerging pattern,” an APD public information officer said.

APD said if anyone has any questions or would like to discuss crime prevention options with your community, reach out to the APD Burglary unit by contacting 512-974-6941 or APDburglaryunit@austintexas.gov .

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