Robbers targeting North Carolina Asian restaurant owners in their homes
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- A string of 35 home invasion style armed robberies involving the owners of Asian restaurants has prompted the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) to ask for the public's help.
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol and Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are also involved.
Investigators said the robberies began a year ago. In each case, the robbers surprise the owners and their families when they arrive home from the restaurant in the late evening. Three to five armed black males with their faces covered, attack the victims from behind and assault them until they cooperate. In all cases, cash was the primary item stolen from the victims.
The SBI listed the counties involved: Wayne County (5), Nash/Edgecombe (5), Wake County (4), Craven County (4), Lenoir County (3), Durham County (2), Johnston County (2), Harnett County (2), Onslow County (2), Pitt County (2), Beaufort County (1), Jones County (1), and Wilson County (1).
The 35th armed robbery was December 23 in Wake Forest.
ATF, Craven County Crime Stoppers, Edgecombe/ Nash County Crime Stoppers, and Pitt County Crime Stoppers have combined with the Clayton Police Department and the Tarboro Police Department to offer an $8000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individual(s) responsible.
If you have information concerning these crimes, please call the tip line at (800) 276-4533.
