BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A task force is investigating a series of burglaries across northwestern Washington, in which the homeowners were of Asian descent.
Bellingham Police Department said in a Facebook post Saturday that a group of burglars are targeting the homes of business owners of specifically Southeast and Southwest Asian descent.
The burglars are using trail systems to enter backyards and break into homes near green belts, according to police.
Bellingham police say that most burglaries occur between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. and offered safety measures homeowners can take to help protect their homes and valuables.
Lt. Claudia Murphy said it has happened at least five times in the Bellingham area. Detectives don't know how the burglars are finding the business owners homes, but the crimes being committed fit a pattern detectives have been investigating along the I-5 corridor. Investigators are linking more than 100 burglaries to a group that’s been operating in the region, with some of the cases dating back to 2021.
"In other areas it is not all Asian business owners, but the M.O. is sufficiently alike that right now they are investigating all of those burglaries together,” said Lt. Murphy.
Safety Tips
Secure valuable items such as jewelry in a safety deposit box. The suspects have been targeting safes within the homes.
Keep lights on both in and outside the house. This may deter burglars from entering.
Mount cameras on the exterior of the house, both in the front and the back. The burglars have been entering through the backyard, but cameras on the front may catch vehicles or suspicious behavior.
If you see an unknown vehicle or suspicious people in the area, call 911. The suspects have been seen wearing dark clothes with full-face masks.
Photograph any valuables, including jewelry, to help in the potential recovery of the items.
Information
If anyone has information pertaining to the burglary group, Bellingham Police Department asks that they contact them either by email or by phone at 360-778-8611.