Newton police warn of break-ins at Asian homes
One person of interest has been spotted by surveillance cameras at two of the burglary locations. Call 617-796-2104 with any information.
Newton Police are investigating five incidents of breaking and entering into homes of Asian residents in recent weeks, the Herald has learned.
The first break-in happened June 13 on the 900th block of Walnut Street, according to Newton Police. The latest occurred just days ago, July 10, on Country Club Road. Police are “actively seeking to learn if Asians are being targeted,” and have notified Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.
Outside of the burglaries, police “haven’t seen anything hate-related,” Lt. Bruce Apotheker told the Herald. There have been no cases of racist or xenophobic vandalism or hateful messages connected to the break-ins.
All of the homes were burglarized for jewelry, cash and handbags, after the perpetrator broke in through windows and side doors. The homes were invaded during the daytime on weekends, with no residents present.
The full list of housebreaks includes the following locations:
June 13: 900th block of Walnut Street
June 19: 600 block of Dedham Street
June 20: Helene Road June 27: 700 block of Quinobequin Road
July 10: Country Club Road
One person of interest has been spotted by surveillance cameras at two of the burglary locations, and police are asking for anyone with information on that individual to call Newton detectives at 617-7962104.
Apotheker noted that in that surveillance footage, it appears the person is carrying some kind of flyer in his hand.
“We’re trying to jog people’s memories, if anyone has a surveillance camera outside their home around these locations,” he said.
House break-ins can happen at any time of day, Apotheker said, and Newton has recorded 45 incidents so far this year. That’s up from 35 incidents in 2019.
Newton Chief of Police John Carmichael and Mayor Ruthanne Fuller will hold a virtual community meeting that all residents are invited to attend at 8 tonight to address the issue.
In the meantime, Newton Police remind residents to lock all doors and windows, and to avoid posting on social media when leaving home for vacation or an extended period of time. Police encourage neighbors to check on each other and watch for “unusual behavior.”