Chilean “Crime Tourists”: The Burglary Threat Targeting Wealthy Neighborhoods
Law enforcement officials are cautioning residents to be extra vigilant in the wake of a surge in burglaries attributed to South American crime syndicates. This new and more dangerous burglary threat has been making headlines across the nation, hitting affluent neighborhoods in Florida, New York, New Jersey, California, and other states.
They Are Trained and Sophisticated
These burglars, commonly referred to as “South American theft groups,” “Chilean tourist burglars,” or “crime tourists,” are highly trained and sophisticated. They travel to the United States on 90-day travel visas after being equipped and trained in their home country. Armed with expertise and tools, these groups have ravaged affluent neighborhoods, hitting as many as 10, 15, or 20 homes in a single area. Victims have reported losing staggering amounts of cash and jewelry, some as much as a quarter of a million dollars or more. Although police and sheriff departments have captured a few individuals, these arrests have not slowed the groups’ attacks.
Many homeowners who believed they had taken all the necessary precautions have been shocked to find their homes ransacked after returning from a vacation or a simple dinner out. Don’t assume that living in an upscale, or even gated, community provides immunity. These burglars specifically target such areas.
Typically working in groups of three to six, they case a neighborhood and often enter homes through windows or sliding glass doors between 6 pm and midnight, when residents are away. If a home has a second floor, they usually enter there, where most homes have no sensors. Security footage has captured multiple groups wearing hats, hooded sweatshirts, face coverings, gloves, and backpacks, and carrying flashlights. These individuals are generally younger and not very large. To blend in with the neighborhood, they often travel in rented high-end cars, SUVs, or minivans.
The burglars break into or steal lower-quality safes, and they often hit homes next to vacant lots, slopes, open spaces, or golf courses. One group has been reported to have burglarized over 100 private homes, stealing cash, jewelry, watches, designer handbags, and clothing. They move from city to city, fence their loot, and send their ill-gotten gains back home. After a successful run of burglaries, they return to Chile, only to repeat the cycle.
Targeting Wealthy Neighborhoods
Southern California has been hit particularly hard. The Huntington Harbor neighborhood of Huntington Beach saw nearly 30 break-ins, the Talega neighborhood of San Clemente had 15 burglaries, and there were 17 in the Alessandro Heights, Hawarden Hills, and Mission Grove neighborhoods of Riverside.
This is not just happening in the United States. According to Vanity Fair, it is taking place on three continents.
“It’s a terrible feeling to know somebody has been in your space,” said one victim.
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which grants “virtually automatic” 90-day visa waivers to citizens of member countries, has been cited as having enabled this type of crime in the United States. The FBI has even established a task force dedicated to this crime ring.
Tips from Law Enforcement
To protect yourself and your home, law enforcement officials offer the following tips:
- Make your home look occupied when you’re gone. Put interior lights on timers, and stop mail and newspaper delivery when traveling.
- Consider a FakeTV device, which simulates a TV and flashes lights to make it appear that someone is home. It can be set to turn on at specific times.
- Lock all outside doors and windows, including property gates, before you leave or go to bed.
- Consider installing a security system. If you already have one, make sure the alarms and cameras are working properly and not obstructed. Consider glass break alarms.
- Bolt safes to steel or a cement slab.
- Make sure your safe is high quality and not easily pried open. It should have third-party security verification, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
- Get to know your neighbors, and let them know when you’ll be away for an extended time.
- Don’t share your plans to be away on social media.
- Consider a monitored alarm system with audible warnings to scare intruders away. If you have a second-story home, make sure the alarm system is installed upstairs, too.
Your Safe Is the Last Line of Defense
A good-quality safe is your last line of defense. This new class of burglars is getting through even the most sophisticated alarm systems. If they get into your house, you want a safe that provides true security. Just because the box says “safe” doesn’t mean it will provide the protection you need. At a minimum, look for a safe that has been independently verified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), as all Casoro safes have been.
With nearly 30 years in the safe business, we can help you select the right safe for your needs. Contact us for expert advice and white-glove service from start to finish. It’s a decision you won’t regret!
