Police Investigate New Incident in Burglary Ring Targeting Asian Residents

 


Eugene, Or. -- Eugene Police are investigating a July 17 burglary at a west Eugene residence near Northwest Expressway that fits a pattern of organized thefts targeting Asian business owners and professionals.

The break-in occurred shortly after 10 p.m., with cash and valuables taken and security cameras reportedly moved or tampered with (Case 26-11154). Police said the crime matches previous incidents in which suspects appear to surveil victims, block or disable surveillance equipment, and enter homes while occupants are at work.

Similar burglaries have occurred in Eugene and other Oregon cities, including Beaverton and Salem. In those cases, jewelry, cash, car keys, and other high-value items were stolen. On June 24, Eugene officers alerted the public after discovering a hidden camera believed to be monitoring an Asian family. Police have noted that the targeted homes are not confined to one neighborhood but are selected based on suspected access to cash and valuables.

Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant. EPD recommends watching for suspicious vehicles or delivery-style vans occupied during daytime hours, as suspects have reportedly worn delivery or reflective vests to blend in. Prevention tips from the Eugene Police Community Engagement Team include:

  • Avoid storing large amounts of cash or valuables at home; use bank safety deposit boxes instead.
  • Install hardwired surveillance cameras and security systems, which are harder to defeat.
  • Use simple audible alarms on loudspeakers that do not rely on wireless connections.
  • Alarm upstairs areas, as many systems only cover ground-floor entry points.
  • Lock all doors and windows with deadbolts, use timers for lights and TVs, close blinds when away, and maintain an occupied appearance.
  • Check shrubbery for hidden cameras and arrange neighborhood watch or vacation house checks.
  • Schedule a free Home Safety Assessment with EPD’s Community Engagement Team.
Non-emergency crimes and suspicious activity should be reported to Eugene Police at 541-682-5111 or online at https://epd.mypdconnect.com/ 

© Written by: M. Weber
Support for local journalism is essential, and donations for the author, Michael Weber, can be made to the following:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Former NWCCU Employee Charged in Embezzlement Involving Deceased Members' Accounts

Image
Eugene, Ore. — A 50-year-old former employee of Northwest Community Credit Union , now known as Peak Credit Union, has been charged with multiple felony and misdemeanor counts after allegedly embezzling funds by accessing the accounts of at least 20 deceased members, according to the Eugene Police Department. The investigation began on September 5, 2025, when the credit union contacted police to report suspected embezzlement by Teresa Lynn Margiotta during her employment. Authorities allege, that from at least August 2023, through February 2025, she transferred money from the deceased members' accounts into her own personal accounts for personal gain. Margiotta faces the following local 66 charges in Lane County: 38 counts of ORS 165.013 Forgery in the First Degree (Felony) 20 counts of ORS Computer Crime (Misdemeanor) 4 counts of ORS 164.057 Theft in the First Degree Aggravated (Felony) 4 counts of ORS 165.803 Aggravated Identity Theft (Felony) The EPD agency case number is 25-14...
Read more

Fatal Head-On Crash on Hwy 126 West Shuts Down Road for 8 Hours

Image
EUGENE, Ore. – A deadly three-vehicle collision on Highway 126 West just west of KR Neilsen Road in Lane County claimed one life and left another driver seriously injured Friday afternoon, November 7, 2025. Oregon State Police responded around 3:15 p.m. to reports of the crash. The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Honda Accord, operated by Russell Fredrick Moncrief (52) of Eugene, braked suddenly and was struck in the rear by a westbound Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Scott Allen Zipprich (52) of Elmira. The collision caused the Chevrolet to enter the eastbound lane and strike an eastbound Dodge Stratus, operated by Vincent George Canham (84) of Eugene, head-on. The operator of the Honda (Moncrief) was reportedly uninjured. The operator of the Chevrolet (Zipprich) was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. The operator of the Dodge (Canham) was declared deceased after being transported to an area hospital. A passenger in the Dodge, Rolf Bertel Johansson...
Read more

Pedestrian Killed in Hit-and-Run on Highway 126; Suspect Vehicle Sought

Image
VENETA, Ore. — A 22-year-old pedestrian was fatally struck in a hit-and-run crash on Highway 126 at Huston Road in Lane County early Sunday morning, August 31, 2025. Oregon State Police responded to the scene at approximately 5:59 a.m. after reports of a vehicle versus pedestrian collision. The victim, identified as Dakota Blue Gilbert of Veneta, entered the roadway and was hit by an eastbound sport utility vehicle, according to preliminary investigations. Gilbert was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver fled and remains unidentified. Authorities believe the suspect vehicle is a light-colored 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox, likely with front-end damage, possibly lower to the ground, but still operable. The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is leading the investigation and is seeking public assistance to locate the vehicle and driver. Anyone with information is urged to contact OSP at *OSP (*677) or 1-800-442-0776, referencing case number SP25-388949. The Collision Rec...
Read more