Oakland County, Michigan Sheriff Warns of Chilean Gangs Targeting Upscale Homes in Sophisticated Burglary Spree

He is calling on the Biden administration for help

NOVI, Michigan - In a recent surge of criminal activity, Oakland County has found itself the target of an international burglary ring, specializing in high-end homes, according to FOX2 Detroit. Sheriff Michael Bouchard of Oakland County has raised concerns over the resurgence of these sophisticated burglaries, emphasizing the striking similarities in their modus operandi observed over the last few days.

These Chilean gangs, known for their efficiency and stealth, often choose large, upscale residences adjacent to secluded areas such as woods or golf courses, enabling them to operate undetected.

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This is not the first encounter the sheriff's office has had with such offenders. Months prior, a task force was established which led to the apprehension of seven individuals from Chile, involved in a series of burglaries amassing millions in stolen goods, including a notable heist where $800,000 worth of jewelry and cash was taken from a single home. Sheriff Bouchard pointed out the alarming level of organization and skill among these burglars, likening their appearance and preparedness to that of "ninjas".

In light of these events, Sheriff Bouchard has offered advice to homeowners, suggesting the hardwiring of alarm systems and the importance of keeping the local police department's non-emergency number readily available. He shared an instance where a homeowner, unable to connect to the local police due to dialing 911 from out of state, faced challenges in alerting authorities about a break-in. The sheriff also warned against the potential risks of social media, where sharing one's travel plans can inadvertently signal to criminals that a property is unoccupied.

The string of burglaries has not been confined to a single location but spans across various upscale neighborhoods including Farmington Hills, Novi, Birmingham, Bloomfield, Franklin, and Oakland Township. The sheriff noted that all arrested suspects had entered the U.S. through a Visa Waiver Program, prompting him to call for a reevaluation of the policy, particularly for Chilean nationals, to impose more stringent entry requirements.

This ongoing situation highlights the critical need for heightened security measures and community awareness to combat the sophisticated tactics employed by transnational criminal organizations targeting affluent areas in Oakland County and beyond【source†FOX2 Detroit】.