NCJ Number
146827
Journal
Police Chief Dated: (November 1990) Pages: 23
Date Published
1990
Length
1 page
Annotation
Home invaders, who are usually young Asian males, work in small groups, traveling around the country and terrorizing selected community members until the victims surrender their money and valuables.
Abstract
These gangs take advantage of the fact that many Asian families distrust the banking system and keep large amounts of cash and jewelry in their homes. Home invaders enter through an unlocked door or by forcing their way in when a family member responds to their knock. They use intimidation tactics and the victim's fear of retaliation to complete their robberies. The Asian community is largely distrustful of the criminal justice system because suspects are often freed pending trial. Most home invaders operate during the evening. In some areas, home invaders tend to be black, rather than Asian, and some gangs are comprised of juveniles. Recommendations for preventive action include police officer training to identify potential victims and perpetrators, public awareness programs for the target community, police- citizen meetings, Federal law enforcement assistance in confronting the problem, and stricter sanctions for those arrested and convicted of these crimes.