Asian business owners feeling the bull's-eye

AN IMPRESSIVE array of local, county and federal law-enforcement authorities and other officials gathered last night to discuss a topic important to the Asian community - the targeting of some Asian-American business owners by criminals.

"We are here because we care about the Asian community," Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan told about 50 Asian-Americans at the meeting, held in the food court of the H Mart supermarket in Elkins Park.

The meeting also included officials from the Montgomery County D.A.'s Office, the FBI, the U.S. Attorney's Office, Philadelphia police, the Governor's Advisory Commission on Asian American Affairs, and City Councilman David Oh. It was prompted by the Dec. 27 shooting of a West Philly deli owner outside a Cheltenham bank, and by other past robberies of Asian business owners.

Lt. John Walker, of Philly's Southwest Detectives, said there were 15 incidents in 2008 in Philly, Delaware and Montgomery counties in which criminals followed Asian business owners to their homes to rob them, and 12 other such cases from June to October 2010. He offered merchants these safety tips:

* Pay attention to your surroundings and call 9-1-1 if you see anything suspicious, or go to a public area or back to your store.

* Avoid being alone.

* Alter your routine.

* Avoid displaying jewelry and other valuables.

Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert K. Reed said that in some cases, prosecutors could indict assailants on federal charges, often leading to the thugs' spending big time in the big house.

Sung Oh, 70, a Korean-American doctor who attended the meeting, said afterward that he was impressed by the cooperation among the authorities. He said he doesn't feel like a robbery target. "I don't carry money," he said.

Ly, 55, a Chinese-American, was about to make a deposit at the Woori America Bank, on Front Street near Cheltenham Avenue, in Cheltenham, about 11:35 a.m. Dec. 27, when he was ambushed by one of three men in a black Volvo S60 or S80, with tinted windows and a sunroof.

He gave the man his money, but was shot in the leg and pelvis. After more than three weeks of treatment in a hospital and a rehab center, he returned home Wednesday night.

Cheltenham police are searching for the attackers. Tipsters may call Detective Andrew Snyder at 215-885-1600, ext. 458.