SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) — A group of South Bay city leaders and community members are calling for immediate action to protect small businesses.
On Tuesday, the Little Saigon Merchant Association hosted a press conference outside Grand Century Mall – San Jose’s largest Vietnamese shopping center.
“How weak do they think we are on public safety in Santa Clara County that they can do this in broad daylight and on a weekday – that’s not acceptable,” Daniel Chung said.
The event follows a brazen smash-and-grab heist captured on surveillance video Friday.
VIDEO: Caught On Video: 88-year-old store owner assaulted during brazen smash-and-grab heist in San Jose
The 88-year-old store owner suffered a stroke and was also cut by broken glass after the assault, according to sources. No arrests have been made.
A group of robbers used a car to crash into the jewelry store, moments later they shoved the 88-year-old store owner to the ground.
His family says he suffered a stroke, but is now back home and doing well.
The man’s niece, who did not want to be named, said the video makes her angry and emotional.
“They don’t care – the human, they just slam him down like nothing happened. That is criminal for sure,” his niece said.
INTERACTIVE: Take a look at the ABC7 Neighborhood Safety Tracker
City councilmember Bien Doan was joined by Mayor Matt Mahan, and other city councilmembers.
“We as a community have to stand united and demand that our governor give us more funding for police, give us more funding for license plate readers, give us more money for helicopters with fixed wings,” Doan said.
Mayor Matt Mahan said the worry among the Asian American community is real. Earlier this year San Jose Police arrested a burglary ring – 80 separate burglaries totaling to $1 million in stolen jewelry and cash.
“They were explicitly targeting Asian American homeowners, so there’s a lot of fear in this community,” Mahan said.
Right after the press conference, a town hall was held where a San Jose police captain said the smash-and-grab investigation is a priority.
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