Ohio (IINA) : The Columbus chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Columbus) in Ohio called on Columbus and Hilliard police departments to step up investigations of a string of burglaries of Muslim businesses and is urging business owners and community members to boost security.

One of the alleged perpetrators has reportedly been seen burglarizing some Muslim-owned stores after he initially offered to wash windows for a relatively low price. Since the end of May, at least seven different establishments located throughout central Ohio, have been burglarized, with one being burglarized multiple times. Three burglaries took place just before or during the Eid Al-Fitr (“feast of the fast-breaking”) Islamic holiday between June 23 and 25.

“We encourage everyone in the community, particularly mosque leaders, to share the photographs of the alleged perpetrator and to encourage congregants to report any information about the suspect to police and our office,” said Romin Iqbal, legal director of CAIR-Columbus. “We hope the Columbus and Hilliard Police Department will bring the perpetrators to justice. They must not be allowed to continue harming the businesses of hardworking Ohioans.”

CAIR-Columbus is asking anyone with information about the burglaries or the alleged perpetrator(s) to contact local police and to call CAIR-Columbus.

Iqbal said CAIR-Columbus is also encouraging anyone who experiences a hate crime locally to report it immediately by filing an incident report.

CAIR-Columbus has noted an unprecedented spike in hate incidents targeting Muslims and other minority groups since the November 8 election.

In response to that spike in hate incidents, CAIR-Columbus is offering Muslim community leaders free copies of its booklet, “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety.”

CAIR recently launched an app to share critical “know your rights” information and to simplify the process to report hate crimes and bias incidents. CAIR is urging American Muslims and members of other minority groups to download the app and utilize this resource to stay informed and empowered.