Burglars targeting South Asian families

Police say signs of cultural celebrations like Diwali may attract burglars. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Asian families living in Auckland have been warned to take down national flags from outside their homes, keep religious festivals low-key and avoid personalised number plates to keep burglars away, reports The Aucklander.

Auckland Police's South East Asian liaison officer Constable Gupreet Arora has acted after several audacious burglaries - one from a master bedroom as the family watched an All Blacks test, another while a family was at their father's funeral.

"A number of burglaries are committed at homes where there are obvious signs that the occupants are South Asians," says Mr Arora.

He suggests Asian families consider removing items identifying their ethnicity from outside their homes, such as their homeland flag.

"Burglars are very well aware of the fact that South Asian communities tend to keep considerable amounts of cash and jewellery at home," he says.

"Religious signs, personalised plates on vehicles, putting lights on the outside of the house at night on occasions like Diwali, are some of the signs to burglars."

One Indian family has told The Aucklander of the extreme security measures they have taken following the bedroom burglary.

For the full story visit www.theaucklander.co.nz.