PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Pittsfield Township police are investigating six unoccupied home invasions over the last year that appear to be connected.
Police said the incidents began in April 2016, but the majority of the break-ins were reported last month. All six break-ins targeted self-employed Asian business owners.
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The thieves break into homes through back doors when the homeowners are away and steal safes, jewelry, money and guns from the master bedrooms and bathrooms, police said. Electronics are not stolen from the homes.
Police released details on the times, dates and locations of the six incidents:
- April 26, 2016, at 2:05 p.m. in the 4400 block of Blossom Hill Trail
- Nov. 29, 2016, between 8:40 and 11:30 a.m. in the 3800 block of Highlander Way West
- Feb. 4, 2017, between 2 and 5:45 p.m. in the 1600 block of West Ellsworth Road
- Feb. 22, 2017, between 6 and 9 p.m. in the 1400 block of Bicentennial Parkway
- Feb. 25, 2017, between 5:30 and 9:15 p.m. in the 3700 block of Highlander Way West
- Feb. 26-28, 2017, in the 5500 block of Lohr Lake Drive
Pittsfield Township police said other agencies in Michigan and Ohio have investigated similar crimes targeting Asian business owners.
Police offered the following advice to business owners:
- Avoid keeping cash in your home.
- Have and use the security system in your home, such as video/camera surveillance and alarm systems.
- Close blinds and curtains so that people can't see into your home.
- Lock all windows and doors.
- Engrave your property so it will be easily identifiable if your property is stolen and recovered.
- Keep a detailed list of all valuables.
- Call the police immediately to report suspicious vehicles or people around or at a home when neighbors are at work or away.
Anyone with information is asked to call Pittsfield Township police at 734-822-6074.