Deputies Investigate After Multiple Robberies, Indian Community Feels They’re Being Targeted
COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)-A community still on high alert after burglars steal thousands of dollars worth of gold.
On Tuesday night members of the Midlands Indian Community wants their voices heard.
“It makes you feel very hesitant to do things like leave home,” Himadri Dasqupta said.
Dasqupta has heard the horror stories from friends who have became victims of robberies.
Some residents say people are targeting the Indian Community. Lexington County Deputies say the most recent burglaries struck a home on Honey Tree Drive.
According to the police report the thieves stole two gold chains worth $8,000. This is the third Indian home reportedly hit, but residents say some burglaries may have gone unreported.
“Many of the people concerned have actually lived part of their life in India and law and order is different from here,” Dasqupta said. “There is a lot of corruption and sometimes going to the police can lead to more problems then it solves.”
Tuesday night’s Beyond Bollywood event, which usually has a inviting tone, was different. Many voiced their concerns to law enforcement.
“It’s about listening and sometimes that’s all it takes someone just wants to know that you’re there, that you’re going to listen and that’s what we’re doing tonight,” Adam Myrick, Public Information Officer said. “We’re also going to share the information we can share with them.”
Deputies are currently investigating to see if these crimes are in fact related.
“That is something that we are looking into right now,” Myrick said. “We’re seeing if it’s connected to the other incidents that have been reported. Right now we don’t know that it is or that it’s not but we’re looking into right now and our work continues.”
“Be in touch with the police officers they’re always there to help you, but they can only help you if you help them,” Dasqupta said.
Lexington County Deputies say they don’t have a suspect just yet but they are following leads.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
