South American Crime Ring Targeting Wisconsin Homes: Mequon Police Link Burglary Spree to International Crime Network

MEQUON, WISCONSIN — Police in Mequon say a highly organized South American crime group is responsible for a string of high-end burglaries in southeastern Wisconsin, warning residents to stay vigilant and activate home alarms even during short absences.

Trail cameras captured the suspects creeping through wooded areas, wearing gloves, backpacks, and face coverings as they approached homes from behind — a signature tactic authorities say has been repeated across multiple counties and even other states.

Organized Burglary Pattern Raising Alarms

Captain John Hoell of the Mequon Police Department told local media that investigators believe the same criminal network has been behind roughly a dozen burglaries in Mequon this year alone.

“Burglaries are not uncommon,” Hoell explained, “but the amount of burglaries that are happening — and the way they’re happening — is uncommon.”

Hoell said the group appears to follow a highly coordinated and repeatable system, breaking into homes in cul-de-sacs between Thursday and Sunday evenings when residents are typically away.

“They walk through the woods, enter from the backyard, and break a window or door,” Hoell said. “They’re specifically targeting jewelry, currency, and luxury handbags. That’s all they take.”

Ties to Previous Burglaries of Professional Athletes’ Homes

Authorities believe the current crime wave may be connected to last year’s burglaries at the homes of professional athletes, including Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis, whose River Hills home was hit by thieves.

While investigators can’t confirm a direct link, Hoell acknowledged strong similarities between those break-ins and the recent Mequon cases.

“There’s a high probability that these are part of the same network,” he said. “They come prepared with tools and seem to be following identical methods each time. It’s a very well put-together operation.”

International Network Moving Through the U.S.

Police say the burglars are not local residents and often leave the area immediately after committing crimes, making arrests difficult.

“They’re from South America and come here specifically to commit these crimes,” Hoell said. “Once they’re done, they move quickly — often out of the metro area and sometimes out of the country.”

Mequon police have partnered with state and federal agencies, including nearby sheriff’s offices in Waukesha and Washington County, to coordinate investigations and share surveillance evidence.

Several neighboring agencies have reported similar break-ins with matching tactics, further supporting the theory of a multi-state crime network.

Police Urge Residents to Tighten Security

The department is urging homeowners to use their alarm systems, security cameras, and exterior lighting — noting that several victims had functional alarms but hadn’t activated them.

“Lock your doors. Turn on your alarm system. Use the cameras you already have,” Hoell emphasized. “If you see something suspicious or capture footage, contact us. The more evidence we collect, the faster we can connect these crimes and make arrests.”

Police also advise residents in wooded neighborhoods to pay close attention to trail activity and report unfamiliar vehicles seen near cul-de-sacs or access roads.

A Growing Threat Beyond Mequon

The string of burglaries underscores a troubling trend of international crime rings expanding operations in the U.S. Midwest. The same methods have been reported in Illinois, Minnesota, and other states, where South American theft groups target suburban homes with high-value items.

Law enforcement officials say their goal is to identify and dismantle the Wisconsin-based cells of the organization before further crimes occur.

“They’re organized, mobile, and trained,” Hoell said. “But with cooperation from residents and other jurisdictions, we’re closing in.”

Have you noticed suspicious vehicles or individuals in your area?
Share your tips or footage with Mequon Police — and stay connected for ongoing coverage of Wisconsin’s organized burglary investigations at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.