Indian families in various US towns are facing a growing threat as burglars increasingly target their valuable jewelry.
Forsyth County Sheriff Ron Freeman and Johns Creek Police Chief Mark Mitchell recently held a town hall meeting at Lambert High School to address ongoing arrests and crime trends in their community, with a particular focus on burglaries targeting Indian residents.
According to Sheriff, these opportunistic criminals take advantage of homeowners’ absence, often during extended periods of travel. To carry out these thefts, they meticulously observe their targets, sometimes using social media to track their movements.
These burglars, frequently originating from South American countries like Colombia and Peru, employ unconventional tactics. They enter the US with fraudulent passports, operate in small groups of three to five individuals, and tend to strike between noon and 10 p.m.
Their preference is for less secure second-floor entry points, and they closely monitor homeowners, often via social media, ensuring they strike when the house is vacant. The uniqueness of these burglars is they are not looking for guns, computers, or cars, they’re looking for jewelry and precious metals.
Law enforcement agencies are actively working to identify and apprehend these criminals, who are frequently associated with South American Theft Groups (SATG).
To protect their homes, valuables, and cultural heritage, residents are advised to enhance home security, consider storing valuables in bank deposit boxes, establish Neighborhood Watch programs with neighbors, and exercise caution on social media during vacations.
