PORTLAND, Ore. — A string of home burglaries and attempted burglaries believed to be targeting affluent Asian Americans homeowners in Washington County may be connected, according to a joint press release from the Tigard Police Department, Beaverton Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
Officials say across the three jurisdictions investigators are following up on 10 recent cases that appear similar in nature. That includes four cases in Tigard, four in Washington County and two in Beaverton that started in late September.
Officials believe that so far, the victims are all affluent homeowners who are Asian Americans, and the suspect(s) use a similar method to break-in.
Investigators with the various agencies believe the suspect(s) will park in a car to keep watch on a home and figure out when the homeowner will be away.
Officials also want to assure communities in those areas that investigators are working together and with state and federal law enforcement partners to share information and develop leads. They are conducting extensive interviews with victims as well as neighbors and are canvassing neighborhoods to gather evidence. Investigators are also looking into if additional links between the victims exist.
Officials are asking the community to be aware of their surroundings, including any activity that appears out of place within your neighborhood or appears to be suspicious. They're asking the public to report suspicious activity to non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 or call 911 for emergencies.