Asian homes targeted in a string of burglaries

Sheriffs tell neighbors to report suspicious activity

By Jeff Kearns

Somebody is stealing jewelry and cash from Asian-owned homes in Cupertino. Sheriff's deputies said they have no suspects, and they warn residents to watch for suspicious activity and to secure money and valuables.

About 20 burglaries were reported from Nov. 26 to Dec. 25, a drastic increase for Cupertino. Most of these thefts occurred in homes belonging to Asian families in neighborhoods around De Anza College. Similar burglaries have been reported in nearby cities.

The burglars accessed the homes by prying open or smashing side or back windows, according to Sgt. Joe Waldherr. In some cases, they entered through windows that were left unlocked. Most of the burglaries took place between 6 and 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights.

Sheriff's reports indicate that during these incidents, bedrooms and offices in the homes were ransacked; cash and jewelry were stolen; one couple's wedding rings were taken, and Japanese yen were taken from another house. From some homes, nothing was reported stolen.

None of the homes hit had burglar alarms. Nobody was home during any of the burglaries, but detectives think one of the burglaries was interrupted when homeowners came home. Detectives also think they're looking for more than one suspect.

"We're just waiting for a good lead to come in," Waldherr said.

Waldherr said anyone who sees any kind of suspicious activity should call 911 immediately. "If the public is aware, they can be our best tool," he said.

Sheriff's spokesperson Sgt. John Hirokawa said investigators don't know whether the suspects are Asian, but the suspects probably know that their victims are Asian. Some signs that might be giveaways may be Asian art or iconography, Asian language characters or shoes left on the porch. "The suspects probably believe that Asians have a lot of cash on hand or jewelry," Hirokawa says.

Hirokawa says police in Los Altos, Sunnyvale and Santa Clara have also had reports of similar burglaries.

In addition to reporting suspicious activity, the Sheriff's Department is advising residents to keep their eyes on their neighbors' homes, advise their neighbors if they're going to be away and have someone pick up newspapers and mail. Homeowners also shouldn't leave large amounts of cash around the house and should put jewelry or other valuables in a safe deposit box.

Anyone who may have information about the burglaries should call Sgt. Bob Dixon at 408.867.9715.

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