The Hindu : National : Burglars targeting Indians for gold held in U.S.

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Burglars targeting Indians for gold held in U.S.

Washington: Three “choosy” burglars, including a woman, who allegedly stole only gold items from over two dozen South Asian families, mostly Indians, in Fairfax County here, have finally been arrested.

Police suspect the burglars targeted 26 homes in Fairfax and three more in Loudoun County since January.

“Each time, the invaders disdained silver, gems and electronics, taking only gold jewellery, saris with gold threads and gold statues,” The Washington Post reported.

South Asian victims

The victims were almost all South Asian, and said their families traditionally passed 22-karat gold from generation to generation.

The police said they believe gold was being stolen because it is selling at more than $1,000 an ounce.

But they didn’t know how or why certain houses were targeted, the report said. The police have not been able to recover stolen property or personal documents from those arrested. They said the investigation has a long way to go.

“We don’t know how extensive this may be or if we’re looking for anybody else,” Fairfax police spokeswoman Mary Ann Jennings was quoted as saying in the report.

“We’re looking into whether more people were involved, why they came down here [from New York.] We’ve got a lot of investigating to do.” — PTI

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