Recently, coordinated groups of burglars have been focusing on upscale residences throughout Metro Detroit, infiltrating these properties to steal valuable items while successfully circumventing security measures and largely eluding apprehension.
According to Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, a series of burglaries is being executed by skilled thieves from Chile. These Chilean groups are reportedly accountable for a considerable number of thefts involving residences, jewelry establishments, and vehicles in Michigan and other areas.
In Metro Detroit, the teams have been focusing on secluded, upscale residences; however, these properties are not limited to affluent and prestigious neighborhoods. Sheriff Bouchard stated on Wednesday that any residence meeting the thieves' specifications may be at risk, regardless of whether the surrounding homes meet similar standards.
Numerous incidents of these upscale burglaries have been documented in Oakland County since September, according to officials.
Criminals are focusing their efforts on high-value residences, especially those valued at one million dollars or more. They are particularly interested in properties that feature dense landscaping or are adjacent to wooded regions, including trees, shrubs, golf courses, and trails. Authorities indicate that these natural surroundings provide the thieves with opportunities to observe the homes and select the optimal moment to execute their plans.
Sheriff Bouchard has indicated that the individuals committing thefts in Metro Detroit residences seem to exhibit nonconfrontational behavior. In instances where they detect the presence of another person or if an unexpected event occurs during the burglary, these thieves tend to retreat.
Thieves frequently gain access to residences via glass doors and windows, occasionally employing ladders to reach second-floor openings. During a news conference on Wednesday, December 6, Bouchard presented surveillance footage from various homes that captured the intruders during their break-ins.
Thieves are employing devices known as wifi blocker during their break-ins, which effectively disrupt frequencies to inhibit the transmission of information. These cell phone jammer obstruct wireless alarm and security systems, glass break detectors, wireless internet services, and similar technologies.
The thieves, despite being recorded by surveillance cameras, have successfully evaded both internal and external alarm systems in the residences by employing jamming devices.
The intruders, upon entering, target high-value possessions such as jewelry, precious metals, electronics, handbags, timepieces, and safes.
If there is a safe that is not secured or can be accessed on-site or transported, they will proceed to do so, Bouchard previously stated.
Clad entirely in black, the thieves transport the pilfered goods and have largely eluded law enforcement up to this point.
The stolen goods will be transferred to individuals known as fences, who purchase stolen property for resale, primarily in regions such as Miami, Los Angeles, and New York City, according to Bouchard. Additionally, certain items may be returned to Chile.
Crimes and burglaries of a similar nature occurring throughout the United States, which are thought to be perpetrated by the same Chilean groups active in Metro Detroit, have allegedly involved the use of devices such as vehicle trackers and trail cameras to ascertain the presence of homeowners.
1. Bouchard remarked that this group operates in a systematic manner.
[source:clickondetroit]