police ask for help from asian americans

Here's another story on the recent rash of organized crimes targeting Asian American business owners in the Philadelphia area: Police ask Asian Americans for help. Since at least November, police have investigated 15 such cases, where the victims were often followed home and robbed at gunpoint.

Law enforcement officials are urging Asian Americans to call 911 if they fear they are being followed, and to report crimes to the police. Police are also asking community organizers to spread the word that authorities will not try to have a crime victim deported.

Most of the targeted robberies occurred in Southwest Philadelphia, but at least five have been reported in Delaware County. Most of the crimes have occurred Wednesday through Saturday between 6 p.m. and midnight, with a few taking place between 1 and 3 a.m.

Police have charged eight men with 12 of the crimes. The U.S. Attorney's Office is reviewing the cases and might bring federal charges, including charges under hate-crime statutes, against some of the men.