Abington Twp. police bust South American Theft Ring targeting Asian business owners

Philadelphia Viral News

Abington Twp. police bust South American Theft Ring targeting Asian business owners

Story By #RiseCelestialStudios

ABINGTON TWP., Pa. (WPVI) — Abington Township police, Montgomery County Detectives and federal partners dismantled a South American Theft Ring targeting Asian business owners in the Delaware Valley, New York and Ohio.

“It is scary because you come home, it’s a sacred place and find all your things all messed up,” said William Lyou, who is one of the victims from Abington.

Lyou still remembers how it felt when he came home to find thieves had stolen more than $30,000 worth of items and personal documents.

“It was a very scary situation. We never had this time of incidents,” said Lyou.

Abington Twp. Police Chief Patrick Molloy said the criminal organization began its local operation in 2024.

“We see how sophisticated they are. We’re going to be one step above them, and we’ll be coming after them,” said Chief Molloy.

At least 12 suspects have been arrested so far. Police said they’re Colombian nationals who lived in Queens, New York.

“They would go and use records of real estate and tax to identify Asian names and Asian business owners who traditionally have cash businesses, a lot of jewelry in the home, Louie Vuitton bags,” said Chief Molloy.

Chief Molloy said the burglars would use devices such as signal jammers, GPS trackers and cameras to follow the victims for many days. Then, they would pose as delivery drivers and break into homes in several Pennsylvania counties. At least 10 incidents were reported in Montgomery, Chester and Bucks counties in a four-month period.

Abington Twp. police said on Carol Road, one home was targeted twice.

“I have a family. I have kids. I’m concerned our house could be next. You never know. It could be anybody in the neighborhood,” said Raymond Neas, who lives on that street.

But residents praise law enforcement for their diligent work, especially detectives Steve Fink, Dan Bullock and Robert Hill who are at the forefront of this investigation.

“Abington police – I was just sort of amazed because usually I find out these kind of things don’t get resolved,” said Lyou.

“We put our community first, and we’re going to continue to do that and pour all of the resources we can to get these bad guys off the street,” said Chief Molloy.

Police advise residents to be hyper-vigilant and increase home security as they search for more suspects. They’re facing several charges, including burglary and criminal conspiracy.