OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Neighbors packed Christ Church Cranbrook Monday night to find out the latest on non-American gangs targeting high-end homes in Metro Detroit.
“The intelligence reports tell us just the Chilean teams are a hundred or more and typically between three to six people, it’s a lot of people moving around the country hammering high-end homes,” said Sheriff Mike Bouchard.
They’re entering the United States through the Visa Waiver Program.
Oakland County has nabbed two of the accused crews, but more are operating across Metro Detroit. A week ago, the last two homes hit were in Clinton Township.
The home invasions follow a pattern. The crew does surveillance and brings tech along with them, like jammers for wireless signals to disable the alarm.
They hit bedrooms. They’re looking for jewelry, cash, and high-end handbags. They’re not above dragging safes out. This is not a uniquely Michigan problem.
“Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, we’re getting information and sharing information with agencies because if they’re hitting us, they’re those areas as well,” said Bloomfield Township Chief James Gallagher.
Law enforcement told neighbors to stop posting vacation pictures, for starters, when they’re out of town.
When it comes to alarms, tether them to a landline and put motion detectors on the second floor.
The number one spot they target in a home is the bedroom. So far, they have not been violent if someone happens to be in the house and they aren’t harming pets.
--> Residents urged to stay vigilant as organized crime group targets high-end homes in Metro Detroit