Ring Targeting Asian Business Owners In Philly Region Busted: Report

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — A South American theft ring targeting Asian business owners in the Philadelphia region has been busted, according to reports.

Abington Police have charged 12 people with the crimes, which included at least 10 incidents reported in Montgomery, Bucks, and Chester counties over four months, Action News reported.

The crimes also happened in the Delaware Valley, New York, and Ohio, authorities said.

Abington Township Police Chief Patrick Molloy told Action News that the crime ring started operating last year. He said they were Colombian nationals who lived in Queens, N.Y.

Patch sent Molloy an email on Monday seeking comment and additional information.

Molloy told Action News that the burglars would use devices such as signal jammers, GPS trackers, and cameras to follow the victims for many days. Then, they would pose as delivery drivers and break into homes in the Philadelphia region.

"We see how sophisticated they are," the chief said on Action News. "They would go and use records of real estate and tax to identify Asian names and Asian business owners who traditionally have cash businesses, a lot of jewelry in the home, Louie Vuitton bags,."

Abington Police have reported several incidents over the past year and also issued warnings for residents and business owners to be aware of the crimes.