‘Sophisticated’ burglary operation targets Asian business owners in Douglas County, sheriff’s say
Courtesy photo, Douglas County Sheriff's Office
Douglas County authorities are investigating what they label as an organized group of burglars targeting homes of Asian business owners within the county, amounting to nearly $1 million in stolen property.
In a news release, Douglas County sheriff’s officials called the illegal operation “sophisticated,” saying suspects have tracked their victims’ activity before stealing from them. Most cases, authorities said, happen when a victim is at work, giving burglars a chance to steal from their homes.
Some cases involved suspects installing secret cameras at their victims’ homes to find out when it becomes unoccupied. Some suspects placed trackers on victim vehicles, hidden cameras in yards and Wi-Fi jammers to disable security systems, doorbells and cameras of neighboring homes, according to the sheriff’s office.
Cash, jewelry and high-end handbags are primary targets to steal, deputies said.
Overall, damages have added up to nearly $1 million in stolen or damaged property of Asian business owners in Douglas County alone, according to the sheriff’s office.
“In one case, the victim’s vehicle tires were slashed at work, preventing them from responding to the activated alarm,” a sheriff’s official said. “Other distraction tactics at the victim’s businesses have also been used. Upon return, victims discover their homes have been completely ransacked.”
Douglas County detectives believe the string of thefts derive from a group operating across the nation.
The operation may also be part of the South American Theft Group (SATG), according to the sheriff’s office.
No arrests have been reported by the sheriff’s office.
Douglas County Sheriff’s said to prevent home thefts, residents should secure valuables, refrain from keeping large amounts of cash at home, report suspicious behavior in neighborhoods and check for tracking devices.




