Plano Police Report Second Interrupted Burglary

Plano police are reporting the second interrupted burglary in two weeks in neighborhoods near Russell Creek Park.

The first incident happened mid-morning on Tuesday, March 17, on Sutherland Lane.

The second occurred Thursday on Mesa Oak Trail, about a half-mile away from the first.

Thursday's victim told NBC 5 he came home from an errand and was confronted by a man threatening him with a gun. The burglar told him to turn around, not look at his face, and, while holding the gun to the victim, forced the homeowner to search for valuables.

The man said the burglar repeated things like “I know you are rich” and “I know you have gold.”

Plano police are investigating possible connections between the two incidents, but say it’s early to draw conclusions.

The first victim was also threatened with a weapon and was forced into a closet by the burglar.

“It is one thing that concerns us, is that both victims in these cases were Asian and both of them describe similarities in the suspect,” said Plano police spokesman Officer David Tilley.

Tilley said the department understands worry about a possible connection to a criminal group that has appeared in Plano before targeting Asian, Indian and Middle Eastern families, specifically for gold.

“We don’t know if this is going to be associated with the same group that was up here before,” he said.

“That’s something we’re looking into because the M.O.'s we have so far are very, very similar.”

Neighbors tell NBC 5 they’re looking into purchasing surveillance video cameras and locks for back gates.

In both incidents, the burglar made entry by smashing glass on a back door or window.