NCJ Number
172180
Journal
Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice Volume: 13 Issue: 4 Dated: (November 1997) Pages: 309-319
Date Published
1997
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article analyzes home-invasion robberies committed by Asian suspects on Asian victims.
Abstract
The information upon which this article is based was obtained from case studies in Texas, victim interviews in Texas, and suspect interviews in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and Corrections. Home-invasion robberies are committed by gaining forced entry to residences for the purpose of obtaining money, drugs, or both. These robberies often go badly when victims resist or the drugs and money cannot be located. In many such cases, victims or perpetrators may be injured or even killed. In Houston, Tex., where this study was conducted, all home invasions done by Asian offenders involved Asian victims. Home invasions are usually well planned and carried out by a group of Asian males who are experienced in these types of robberies. Many of the robberies are set up by friends of the victims or even family members who are familiar with the money and valuables in the home. Often the home invaders know that victims keep cash that is unreported to the Internal Revenue Service. In addition to the cash being attractive to the robbers, the tax evasion by the victims may make them reluctant to report the robbery to the police. Victims of Asian home-invasion robberies have expressed feelings of terror, fear for the lives of family members, and helplessness. Allowing the robbery to proceed without resistance is usually the best way to keep the family from being hurt. This article also offers suggestions for investigating home-invasion robberies. These suggestions are presented under the topics of scene investigation, follow-up, and charges and prosecution.