Asian American Council of Oregon

Local law enforcement urged neighbors to look out for each other at an Asian American public safety forum in Eugene Thursday evening, saying they need the entire community’s help to stop a burglary ring.

The Asian American Council of Oregon’s public safety forum in Eugene on Oct. 23 will address a rise in burglaries targeting Asian-owned businesses and residences.

Eugene Police Chief Chris Skinner said at a Friday press conference that his department is still investigating whether these suspects are linked to nearly two dozen similar burglaries targeting local Asian American business owners over the last year.

Organizers say the celebration is a place where people can try something that is new to them and outside of their comfort zone.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has reversed her decision not to extradite one of the suspects linked to burglaries targeting Asian Americans in Eugene and Springfield. But the governor’s office said another suspect will remain in Texas for now.

A suspected member of a group that allegedly burglarized 17 Asian households in Eugene and Springfield won’t be extradited back to Oregon because of an immigration hold, officials say. In the wake of those crimes, community leaders in Eugene are asking the state to be more transparent.