A sophisticated group of burglars has been targeting the homes of Asian business owners who live in Douglas County. The burglars strike while the victims are at work, often outside of the county in the Denver Metro area. The suspects employ sophisticated tactics to track their victim’s activity before the burglary by following them from their place of business, placing trackers on their vehicles, or placing hidden cameras in their yards to determine when the homes are unoccupied. They may also use Wi-Fi jammers to disable security cameras and alarm systems during the burglary, disabling doorbell cameras and Wi-Fi of neighboring homes. Some coax cables to the home’s alarm system and/or cameras have also been cut.
In one case, the victim’s vehicle tires were slashed at work, preventing them from responding to the activated alarm. Other distraction tactics at the victim’s businesses have also been used. Upon return, victims discover their homes have been completely ransacked. Cash, jewelry, and high-end handbags are the primary targets.
Detectives believe this group operates across the United States, and multiple groups may be active nationwide. They may also be part of the South American Theft Group (SATG). Losses from these burglaries in Douglas County alone are nearly one million dollars so far this year.
Crime prevention tips:
• Secure Valuables: Don’t keep large amounts of cash at home. Lock up expensive jewelry and other valuables in a safe that is secured to a shelf, wall, or floor, preventing it from being carried out along with the contents.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Be vigilant and report suspicious behavior in your neighborhood, especially around the homes of business owners. The suspects also commonly conduct pre-surveillance days before the actual burglary.
• Check for Tracking Devices: Business owners should routinely inspect their yards and vehicles for hidden tracking devices and cameras.
