Upscale Home Robberies By Illegal Migrant Gangs Surging
As part of the larger surge in crime plaguing American cities and suburbs, reports show that an increasing number of gangs of migrants are targeting wealthy neighborhoods for burglaries and home invasions. Detroit law enforcement officials have announced a new initiative to address the disturbing trend.
The burglary gangs are believed to be comprised mainly of immigrants from Latin America. They are exploiting vulnerabilities in modern home security systems with sophisticated technology.
Oakland County, Michigan, Sheriff Michael Bouchard announced the creation of the Southeast Michigan Collaborate Arrest Prosecute (SEM CAB) task force last week. This multi-agency collaboration includes the Auburn Hills Police Department, the Berkley Police Department and several others, working with federal agencies like the FBI and the Homeland Security Criminal Investigations Division.
In his statement, Bouchard warned that the gangs have been able to defeat even recently installed home security systems. “They reportedly use a jammer to overcome wireless security systems that depend on WiFi to operate,” he noted.
The sheriff also described the high level of organization and planning the gangs use to commit the thefts. “The crews are all dressed in black, with backpacks and gloves,” he said, pointing out the gangs have appeared to be largely non-confrontational with the goal of “getting in and out of the homes quickly.” Speed and efficiency have been the main tactics the criminals have used to avoid detection.
In recent years, affluent neighborhoods in the Detroit area have enjoyed the illusion of safety even as crime has surged in the inner city. The reality of organized crime is now facing even those ordinarily quiet and peaceful areas.
According to local reporting, “at least 30 to 40 homes have been hit since September in the Detroit area, with thieves making off with cash, jewelry and expensive handbags within minutes of breaking in.” The crime wave has shattered the feeling of safety affluent suburbanites have previously enjoyed.
Sheriff Bouchard advised homeowners to take additional measures to protect their property and safety. He pointed out the value in multiple layers of security: “People looking to protect their homes should focus on redundant systems that do not rely just on WiFi for communication.”
As the new task force begins its work, law enforcement officials emphasize the value of community collaboration and awareness to ward off criminals looking for easy targets. Bouchard noted that a partnership between community members and law enforcement is crucial in identifying suspicious activities and providing robust defense against opportunistic criminals.
