In a bold response to a spate of high-end home invasions, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard has taken decisive action by announcing the creation of a specialized task force. This move comes as affluent neighborhoods in metro Detroit face an alarming rise in break-ins by highly trained gangs employing advanced technology to carry out their crimes.
The task force, known as SEM CAB (Southeast Michigan Collaborative Arrest Prosecute), is a formidable alliance of multiple law enforcement agencies. It 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. This collaborative effort underscores the severity of the threat posed by these international criminal operations.
"The thieves reportedly use a jammer to overcome wireless security systems that depend on WiFi to operate."
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Sheriff Bouchard, in a recent news conference, shed light on the sophistication of these burglaries. The criminal crews, primarily from Latin America and particularly Chile, are described as highly functional and well-trained. Their modus operandi involves using jammers to disable WiFi-dependent security systems, allowing them to enter homes undetected, often through secluded rear windows or second stories.
These gangs have targeted an estimated 30 to 40 upscale residences since the previous autumn, with five incidents reported just over the last weekend across different locales. They are clad in black attire with gloves and carrying backpacks, operating stealthily to ensure fast intrusions and exits, avoiding confrontations.
“Gangs from South America are breaking into multi-million dollar homes across the country”
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The targeted homes are multi-million-dollar properties where the criminals search for high-value items and transportable safes. The gangs strike quickly in one area before moving on to another, making it challenging for law enforcement to predict their next target.
In light of these events, Sheriff Bouchard has offered advice to homeowners, suggesting the use of redundant systems that do not rely solely on WiFi for communication. He also recommends that residents call the police if their WiFi goes down without explanation, as this could indicate the presence of jammers used by the burglars.
Despite arrests being made, including four individuals in custody in Oakland County Jail connected to this ring, the crime spree is reportedly on the rise. The estimate is that there are 100 or more of these transnational teams roaming the country committing these crimes at any given moment.
The formation of SEM CAB represents a proactive approach to tackling this issue head-on. With the support of local, state, and federal partners, the task force aims to dismantle these criminal operations. Sheriff Bouchard has expressed his appreciation for the collaboration and anticipates more charges from the attorney general soon.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The establishment of SEM CAB is a testament to the commitment of law enforcement to protect the community and bring these sophisticated criminals to justice.
