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A series of burglaries targeting wealthy San Diego homeowners have been revealed to be the work of an organized crime ring operating out of South America, according to a report from CBS8.
According to Detective Justin Cole, these high-end burglaries have been happening across San Diego County and the nation.
"The intelligence says they’re primarily Chilean nationals, they're coming here on a tourist visa program. They’re involved in all types of crime, not just residential burglaries," said Cole told CBS8. "They do pickpocket crime, break into vehicles, steal credit cards, anything they can do to make as much money as possible before they go back."
Law enforcement is very familiar with this criminal organization, known as the South American Theft Group (SATG). The FBI even has a task force dedicated to them, according to CBS8.
There have been more than 60 burglaries in the county tied to SATG. Houses in Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, 4S Ranch, Encinitas, and Chula Vista have all been targeted.
Detective Cole says burglaries are also happening throughout Southern California and in the Midwest and East Coast.
He is advising homeowners to make their appears as if they are always occupied by leaving lights on or the television. He also suggests putting valuables in a safety deposit box.