The New Castle County Police Department has issued a warning about organized theft groups, primarily composed of Chilean and Colombian nationals, carrying out burglaries across the country. These groups, often operating independently but using similar tactics, are known as "crime tourists." They frequently target affluent homes and residences owned by Asian Americans, shipping stolen goods back to their home countries or selling them before leaving the U.S.
Police have released security footage showing a suspected "crime tourist" during a burglary. Several arrests have been made, and warrants are out for other individuals. The groups are described as using sophisticated methods, including radios, disguises, lookouts, and surveillance, to quickly execute their crimes. They are equipped with tools like window punches and ladders to gain access to homes.
One Wilmington resident, Joshua Huang, reported that his family's home was burglarized for the second time, the first incident occurring in November 2022. The family was at their restaurant, Hong Hing, when the recent burglary took place. Huang expressed frustration and a desire to see the perpetrators apprehended and their losses recovered.
