In recent years, the landscape of Sacramento has experienced a significant shift with the influx of Afghan refugees who have not only brought diverse cultures but also established a thriving business community. However, the rise in Afghani local markets, restaurants, auto workshops, and jewelry stores has inadvertently attracted criminal attention, leading to a series of targeted robberies. This surge in criminal activity poses a serious threat to the livelihoods of Afghan entrepreneurs who have worked hard to establish their businesses in their new homes.
Since 2021, the number of Afghani businesses in Sacramento has skyrocketed, going from a mere 12 to a staggering 85 shops, markets, restaurants, and auto shops. While this growth has contributed positively to the local economy, it has also drawn the attention of local criminal elements.
Kauser News Agency issued a warning three months ago, predicting that the increased competition in the market could make the existing Afghan local markets and shops vulnerable to criminal targeting. Sadly, this prediction has manifested into reality, as more than 8 Afghan businesses fell victim to robberies between January 10 and February 9, 2024.
According to reports from Salam Market in Sacramento, on January 30, 2024, between 5:24 AM and 5:28 AM, the store was robbed of its safe containing $30,000, along with important documents such as paystub copies and tax returns. The criminals then proceeded to target a nearby smoke shop shortly after.
Shams Market and Restaurant also faced a similar fate in January 2024, with thieves making off with a safe containing $18,000 between 4:30 AM and 4:34 AM.
East Market and Restaurant, though managing to thwart a complete robbery, still suffered property damage as the criminals attempted to gain entry.
Shanwari Market became another victim in February 2024, but obtaining information from the owner proved difficult, highlighting the apprehension within the Afghan business community.
The modus operandi of these robberies raises numerous questions. How do the criminals know the timings of salary distribution at the end of the week? How are they so precise in locating the money and important documents? And most importantly, how do they execute their mission in just a few minutes and vanish without a trace?
Frustrated and fearful for their safety, the victims of these targeted robberies are now urging California law enforcement to provide heightened security for their businesses. One source even revealed that a call to the police was made at 4:30 AM during a recent robbery, but the officers did not arrive until 7:15 AM, a delay of three hours. The Afghan local markets in Sacramento, once symbols of resilience and entrepreneurship, are now grappling with a wave of targeted robberies. The urgent need for increased security measures is apparent, and the Afghan business community looks to law enforcement for swift action to ensure the safety and prosperity of their establishments in the
