Police broke up a gang that robbed South Asians, including Indian Americans, in Seattle and arrested five thieves. They use leased properties and cars and frequently change locations.
U.S. police have arrested five Southern California men on suspicion of committing at least 17 burglaries against Indian-American and other South Asian residents in Kirkland, Washington, a suburb east of Seattle and surrounding areas.
The investigation began in February after members of the East Side Indian American/South Asian community reported an increase in burglaries of their homes.
Kirkland police said in a news release that Kirkland crime analysts reviewed burglary data and found a possible increase in crimes against Indian-American and Asian-American victims.
In late February, surveillance video and witness statements identified three suspects and a rental vehicle in connection with a burglary in Kirkland’s North Rose Hill neighborhood.
One of the suspects is from Palmdale, California and has a long criminal history as a convicted felon.
Investigation leads to raid and arrest
Investigators found the suspect frequently traveled between California and Washington state, using short-term rental properties to change locations. The suspects also rented cars and replaced license plates with stolen ones.
Information gathered over a two-month investigation led to the development of probable cause and the acquisition of a search warrant for a short-term residential rental in Redmond, Washington.
On March 24, a multi-agency team raided a rental home in Redmond and arrested five adult men from Southern California.
They face burglary charges in Kirkland, King and Snohomish counties. Police also seized stolen items, including more than $17,000 in cash and multiple high-end bags, as well as equipment believed to be used to bypass home security systems, the release said.
Kirkland Police Chief Cherie Harris praised the community for their trust in law enforcement and their assistance during the investigation.
“This is an impactful and successful outcome for our community,” Kirkland Police Chief Cherie Harris said.
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