A residential break-in reported Monday, Oct. 26, in Eugene fits the pattern of burglaries targeting the homes of Asian business owners, community leaders and police say.

After a home was ransacked while the owners of a family business were at work, the Asian American Council of Oregon issued a warning Tuesday to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, sometimes known as AAPI. Security cameras at the home were disabled, according to the organization.

“We have learned of similar burglaries recently targeting the homes of AAPI business owners in other parts of Oregon,” the organization said in a statement. 

Council leaders have counted at least 30 similar burglaries in the Eugene area alone. Reports have continued even after four men were convicted in May for their roles in a burglary ring that hit homes in Eugene, Salem and Washington state.

Eugene police Wednesday said a burglary Monday near Barger Drive fit the pattern of targeting victims believed to keep cash and valuables stored in their homes.

“In the past, the rings have targeted Asian business owners and other professionals. The burglars appear to have screened/surveilled their potential victims, blocked or jammed surveillance devices, then broken into the homes while the victims are at work,” Eugene police said Wednesday in a news release.

The council called for business owners to be on the lookout for vehicles or people surveilling their homes or businesses.

Past burglaries have involved a ruse, such as posing as a food delivery driver, and the council asked neighbors to “be aware of people accessing homes who may be wearing construction-type clothing, delivery uniforms or signs, or similar disguises.”

Community members who believe they have been targeted or have questions may reach the Asian American Council of Oregon by email at info@asiancouncil.org.