The Austin Police Department Burglary Unit would like to bring attention to a common worldwide pattern of burglaries targeting members of the Indian and South Asian cultures during significant cultural events like Diwali. Often, these crimes involve the theft of valuable gold jewelry which hold an extremely high sentimental value and cultural significance to the families they belong to. Our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of all our community members by reminding our neighbors to be vigilant and proactive to significantly reduce their risk of becoming victims of burglary. Here are a few crime prevention tips and general safety measures to help get you started:

• Secure your home
  
  • Ensure all windows and doors are securely locked and consider reinforcing entry points.
  • Make sure alarm systems and surveillance cameras are operational and capable of alerting authorities.
  • Exterior motion lighting can also act as a deterrent.
• Safeguard valuable items
  
  • Consider keeping valuables in a safe deposit box or secure location when you are away.
  • Keep detailed records of valuables, including photos, descriptions, and serial numbers (if applicable).
• Collaborate with Community
  
  • Stay informed and be aware of crime trends and police advisories.
  • Promptly report suspicious behavior or vehicles in your neighborhood to help prevent crimes before they occur.
  • Ask trusted neighbors to keep an eye on your property when you are away.

We value the richness of the diverse cultures in our city and want to emphasize that we remain committed to working with our community to address and prevent these crimes.
 
If you have any questions or would like for us to discuss crime prevention options with your community, please reach out to the APD Burglary unit by contacting us at 512-974-6941 or APDburglaryunit@austintexas.gov.