Police Probe 5th Home Invasion Targeting South Asian And Indian Residents In NJ
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Authorities say a home invasion in Middlesex County may be linked to others in the area that targeted families of South Asian and Indian descent.
Police in Old Bridge said a group of men entered a home there, restrained family members and stole cash and jewelry on Saturday night.
"They duct taped our hands and legs and they dragged us, literally on the floor one by one," one of the victims, who didn't want her name revealed, told CBS2's Matt Kozar.
Police Probe 5th Home Invasion Targeting South Asian And Indian Residents In NJ
The woman said she didn't want to reveal her name because she's still scared of the three masked and armed men who forced their way into her house.
She said they rang the doorbell and her husband thought they might be delivery men.
"I was praying to God, take whatever you want and get out of our house," she said.
The victim said the men ransacked the house as one gunman stood guard over the family, which included her parents and her 4- and 6-year-old children.
"They asked us to take off the gold. The rings and necklace and whatever we were wearing," she said.
This has been the fifth home invasion in the county over the last several weeks in which South Asian-Indian families have been victimized, Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey said.
On Oct. 30, Rajesh Singh said three armed masked men forced their way into his home on Netherwood Circle in Edison as his wife took out the trash just before midnight.
He said the intruders then bound Singh, his wife and their kids with duct tape and put them out on the kitchen floor. The trio then ransacked the home, taking jewelry, cash and other items, Singh said.
Two other similar home invasions were committed in Old Bridge and one in South Plainfield.
No arrests have been made, and it isn't known whether the robberies are related or if any suspects were involved in more than one robbery.
Private investigator Dan Coleman told CBS2 there's a reason thieves target this specific group.
"Especially the South Asian and Indian families tend to use gold as part of their religion, as part of their culture," he said.
In response, police have stepped up patrols.
"Thank God none of them were injured, and I hope they catch these people," said Palma Fanetti.
"During the day we are fine, but as it gets darker, we get scared," the most recent victim said.
Prosecutors, the FBI and police are investigating.
Crime Stoppers is urging anyone with information on the cases to call (800) 939-9600, go to middlesextips.com, or text 274637 and enter "midtip" followed by a message.
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