A recent surge in high-profile home invasions, often linked to Chilean migrants, has raised alarms among security experts about South American burglary rings targeting affluent U.S. residents. These groups are not opportunistic thieves, but rather highly organized and technologically savvy criminals, according to law enforcement veteran Michael Barbieri, an investigator with Global Intelligence Consultants.

Among the victims of these sophisticated heists are NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Joe Burrow, whose Ohio home was burglarized in December. This incident sparked an investigation leading to multiple arrests and the discovery of stolen goods at a New York City pawn shop and a New Jersey storage facility.

Barbieri emphasizes that these criminals meticulously select their targets, leveraging online resources to identify wealthy individuals and using surveillance techniques, including trackers, to monitor their routines. They often strike when victims are away from home, such as during work hours or, in the case of athletes, during games.

These operations extend beyond athletes, impacting affluent communities like Newport Beach, California. The criminals are adept at identifying high-value targets, often by tracking luxury vehicles and using license plate information to pinpoint residences. They conduct thorough surveillance, learning victims' schedules and habits before executing their burglaries.

Barbieri warns that these are not ordinary criminals, but rather individuals accustomed to operating in environments with limited law enforcement. He advises homeowners to enhance their security measures, including installing cameras, having a means of self-defense, and thoroughly vetting any individuals they hire. He also suggests that some criminals may have inside connections, gaining access to gated communities or obtaining security codes through inside information.

The recovered stolen goods, including luxury watches, jewelry, handbags, and artwork, indicate the scale and sophistication of these operations. The criminals often utilize a network of fences to resell the stolen items, sometimes internationally, making recovery extremely difficult.

Barbieri believes these organized theft rings are operating in numerous states and are continuing to expand their reach. He highlights the challenges in apprehending these criminals and recovering stolen goods, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance and proactive security measures among homeowners.