In the days leading up to and following the Chinese New Year, there have been multiple incidents of home invasions and robberies in the Rowland Heights and surrounding communities where Chinese residents are concentrated. The perpetrators have been posing as delivery drivers or using other pretexts to deceive residents into opening their doors, only to barge in and steal. The police and community patrol organizations have been reminding residents to be vigilant about home security.
Last Friday, on February 7th, Officers Denver and Navarez from the Walnut City Police Department participated in a neighborhood watch meeting in the Saleroso neighborhood of Rowland Heights, addressing concerns about home theft with the residents. Recent incidents of burglaries involving tricking residents into opening their doors have left the community feeling uneasy in the Saleroso and Windrose areas.
Evidence suggests that there are two groups of criminals involved in these incidents. The crimes mostly occur between 2 to 5 pm, and the getaway routes usually involve driving onto the 60 Freeway, heading in various directions. So far, none of the suspects have been apprehended.
According to the head of the community safety organization “Together Against Crimes Foundation” (TACF), Guan Yixiu, the two groups of thieves are African American and Hispanic. “They pretend to be Uber delivery drivers, ringing the doorbell. If you go to open the door or engage with them, another person will rush in from the side.”
“At times, the thieves may even stage a performance in front of your door. A woman pretends to fall in front of your door, and when you go to help her, two others rush in,” Guan Yixiu explains, noting that due to the uncertainty of the situation, some Chinese residents have become hesitant to help, even if they see someone fall and are in need of assistance.
Reports from residents to TACF have mentioned the presence of firearms among the thieves. The police warn against approaching suspicious individuals or vehicles, as it can be dangerous to do so, and advise contacting the authorities instead.
Officer Denver stresses the importance of residents reporting any suspicious activities or crimes to the police, no matter how insignificant they may seem. “You may not realize how important each piece of information is for the investigators to piece together and catch the criminals. The police need all relevant information to solve cases,” Denver adds, suggesting that when providing videos or photos, one should also include their name, address, and the time of filming.
It is also advised to keep outdoor lights, especially around the house and garage, on throughout the night (from dusk to dawn), as well as installing motion-sensor lights, as they serve as excellent deterrents. While leaving porch lights on all night may incur additional costs, it pales in comparison to potential losses, damages, and the peace of mind that can be disrupted.
Well-lit areas increase the visibility of a house, making it easier for passersby and vehicles to notice any suspicious activities. When burglars perceive a higher risk of being caught, they are more likely to abandon their target. Denver mentioned that burglars often prefer houses in corners, as they are less likely to attract attention from neighbors.
If you encounter a food delivery service you did not order, it is advised not to rush to dismiss the visitor. Inquire about the name and address on the order. If there seems to be a mistake or the address is incorrect, it should raise suspicion. You can check the visitor’s parking location, vehicle model, color, license plate, and if there are other individuals in the vehicle from upstairs or through front door security cameras. If the car is not parked in front of your house, it raises suspicions of a potential crime in the making.
Guan Yixiu also emphasizes the importance of verifying information safely without directly engaging with the visitor. When going out to check the mailbox and noticing strange individuals or vehicles, pretending to make a phone call can deter potential criminals. Seeing the homeowner making a call often prompts intruders to leave.
It is recommended for residents to actively communicate with neighbors and establish a neighborhood watch system where everyone keeps an eye out for suspicious activities, helping to enhance the security of the community.
Guan Yixiu believes that the frequent occurrences of such incidents in the Chinese community during this period are related to the criminals’ understanding of Chinese New Year customs. Since Chinese people enjoy giving and receiving red envelopes during this time, some may keep large amounts of cash at home, making them prime targets.
The delay in the capture of the suspects is attributed to understaffing within the police force. Due to the Los Angeles fires, many communities require police reinforcement, leading to insufficient patrol forces in areas like Rowland Heights. While many cases eventually get solved, it takes longer and requires more resources. In contrast, similar incidents in Orange County are less common due to adequate police staffing and immediate prosecution by the district attorney.
Under California law, home invasion robbery can carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.