The organized crime network, known as the South American Theft Group (SATG), has been linked to numerous break-ins in West University Place, surrounding counties and across the country, authorities said.<\/p>\n
Residents packed a public safety meeting Wednesday night in West University Place, where Ratliff warned that the group\u2019s footprint is expanding beyond Houston.<\/p>\n
“It was shocking,” resident Bill Jones told FOX 26<\/a> in Houston. “People from South America terrorizing Americans. That\u2019s pretty scary and unfortunate. I\u2019m really surprised no one has gotten hurt.”<\/p>\n CALIFORNIA JEWELRY STORE BURGLAR BREAKS IN FROM ROOF, OWNER THREATENS TO LEAVE LOS ANGELES<\/a><\/p>\n A Houston burglary spree was found to be tied to a South American theft ring, according to officials. (Fox 26 Houston)<\/p>\n Seven of the burglaries occurred in West University Place alone, and police say the cases follow a consistent playbook.<\/p>\n Investigators said suspects target second-story windows at the rear of homes between 7 and 9 p.m., climbing ladders or patio furniture before breaking glass or prying windows open with screwdrivers. The burglars allegedly reposition security cameras, deploy signal jammers to disrupt alarm and Wi-Fi systems and carry stolen property away in pillowcases and backpacks.<\/p>\n The suspects primarily steal high-value items, including designer purses and jewelry<\/a>. In one case, residents were home when burglars entered, though they did not encounter the suspects.<\/p>\n AURORA TERRORIZED BY VENEZUELAN GANG AS DICTATOR MADURO LET TREN DE ARAGUA SEIZE POWER<\/a><\/p>\n Ignacio Castillo Contreras was arrested in February 2025 for alleged forced entry into a home, and the West University Police said he was in possession of jewelry and a radio frequency jammer. (West University Place Police)<\/p>\n According to Ratliff\u2019s presentation, four break-ins and three attempted break-ins have been reported<\/a> since January 2025, and all seven appear consistent with the group\u2019s methods.<\/p>\n Authorities said the organization is also under investigation in California, Florida<\/a>, Wisconsin and New York, suggesting the Houston cases may be part of a broader nationwide operation.<\/p>\n MASKED THIEVES IN SOUTH AMERICAN CRIME RING LOOT AMERICAN HOMES IN COORDINATED PATTERN, POLICE WARN<\/a><\/p>\n Ignacio Castillo Contreras was arrested in February 2025 for alleged forced entry into a home, and the West University Police said he was in possession of jewelry and a radio frequency jammer. (West University Place Police)<\/p>\n “Most of these folks, they’re pretty intelligent,” Ratliff said. “They’re using burner phones, they’re using other information that makes it very difficult to follow.”<\/p>\n Last year, officers arrested Chilean national Ignacio Castillo Contreras in connection with one of the burglaries in which jewelry<\/a> was stolen. Police have also identified Christian Mauricio Rubio Pizarro as a person of interest, though no charges have been filed against him. He is currently facing unrelated charges in Houston and remains jailed on an immigration hold.<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/houston-burglary-spree-tied-to-south-american-theft-ring-002.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Signal](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/houston-burglary-spree-south-american-theft-ring-signal-jammers-002.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Ignacio](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/houston-burglary-spree-south-american-theft-ring-signal-jammers-001.jpg\")
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