In a bold response to a spate of high-tech burglaries targeting affluent neighborhoods, a local sheriff’s department has taken decisive action. The recent formation of a specialized task force aims to address the alarming rise in home invasions carried out by highly trained gangs from South America.
These criminal groups have demonstrated remarkable proficiency in their illicit trade, striking an estimated 30 to 40 upscale residences since the previous autumn alone. Their modus operandi is chillingly efficient: clad in black with gloves and backpacks, they employ jammers to disable WiFi-dependent security systems, allowing them to conduct fast intrusions and exits without confrontation.
Are these South American Gangs Operating in the USA? pic.twitter.com/YTnLe5Oczj
— IamLegend 🇺🇸 (@DarkSideAdvcate) January 19, 2024
The gangs’ targets are multi-million-dollar homes, which they access through secluded rear windows or second stories. They focus on high-value items and transportable safes, leaving homeowners violated and law enforcement grappling with a new level of organized crime.
To counteract these sophisticated operations, the sheriff’s department has launched SEM CAB (Southeast Michigan Collaborative Arrest Prosecute), a coalition of multiple law enforcement agencies. This includes local police departments, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, Michigan State Police, US Border Patrol, and the US Secret Service, among others.
Let’s bring all the South American gangs to the US, what could go wrong? https://t.co/JXH0IDDK0q
— The Chemist 2.0 (@jacek_kapu94021) January 22, 2024
The task force is a direct response to the international scope of these crimes, with the majority of the crews believed to originate from Latin America, particularly Chile. Their strategy involves striking quickly in one area before moving on to another, making their capture a complex endeavor.
In light of these developments, the sheriff has issued advice to residents for protecting their homes. He emphasizes the importance of redundant systems that do not rely solely on WiFi and suggests that homeowners should alert the police if their WiFi unexpectedly goes down, as it could indicate criminal activity in the vicinity.
Despite some arrests, the threat persists, with over a hundred such teams estimated to be operating nationwide at any given moment. The sheriff’s office urges vigilance and encourages the community to report any suspicious activity.
The task force’s establishment underscores the commitment to safeguarding the community and bringing these transnational criminals to justice.
