Burglary At Chinese Restaurant Owner's SB Home Part Of A Trend

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — South Brunswick police say a home was broken into Sunday night on Jennifer Way, and that this may be part of a disturbing trend of break-ins and burglaries targeting Asian-American business owners across the state.

In Sunday’s case, the suspect entered the Jennifer Way home by using a ladder to gain access to a second-floor window, police said. The suspect ransacked the home, taking jewelry and some money. The family that lives there owns a Chinese restaurant.

The case is similar to the advisory put out by Morris County authorities in January: Over the past five months, the owners of five Asian businesses/restaurants have been victims of burglaries at their private residences, the Morris County prosecutor's office said. Patch reported on this trend earlier this year: Asian Business Owners Targeted By Burglars In Morris Co.: Police

Similar burglaries targeting Asian business owners are taking place all over the state of New Jersey and similar incidents have been reported in Pennsylvania and Delaware, said South Brunswick police.

The Morris County burglaries all had a similar pattern: The private residences of business owners were broken into through the side or the rear of the home, police said. The stolen items include currency, safes, birth certificates, passports and "other documents," but valuables were left behind.

Officials say one victim had his car burglarized while parked at his business before his home was targeted; an insurance card was taken from his car.

South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka is alerting owners of Asian restaurants/businesses to be alert.

"(The Sunday night) burglary appears to match a pattern around the state," Chief Hayducka said. "We are working with various law enforcement agencies about the most recent burglary, but our best asset is an alert community."

South Brunswick police are looking for anyone who may have seen any unusual activity in the Junction Village East development off New Road Sunday night.

Top photo via Shutterstock.