Burglary Ring Sweeps Through Mequon and Southeast Wisconsin as Police Warn ‘No City Has Been Untouched’
MEQUON, WISCONSIN — A fast-moving burglary ring believed to be tied to a national crime network has targeted homes across Mequon and multiple southeastern Wisconsin counties, with police warning that “virtually no city has been untouched” during the months-long crime spree.
Police Say Burglary Crew Is Part of Larger National Operation
Mequon Police Capt. John Hoell says investigators have linked the break-ins to suspects arrested as far away as Florida — and the pattern matches high-profile burglaries that have hit celebrities, including NFL stars Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Joe Burrow, along with Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis.
“We’re pretty confident it’s the same group… a larger group than just a couple local people,” Hoell said.
Though detectives cannot confirm the full connection with 100% certainty, several key details line up, including the method of entry, the timing, and the items stolen.
Homes Targeted on Dead-End Roads, Near Woods, and When Residents Are Away
The burglaries typically occurred between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., with suspects entering from the back of the house. Police say the homes hit often shared similar characteristics:
- Located on cul-de-sacs or dead-end streets
- Backed against wooded areas
- Unoccupied at the time of the break-in
- Equipped with outdoor areas where criminals could hide
Investigators believe the burglars used trail cameras and monitoring devices around victims’ properties to track when families left their homes.
“This is more of a national thing… everything is the same,” Hoell explained.
“They target jewelry, money and handbags — exactly like the superstar burglaries.”
The spree began roughly a year ago and has continued across Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Washington, Waukesha, and Dane counties, according to police.
Regional Police Departments Now Sharing Intel
Concerned about the scale and the multi-county pattern, Mequon Police hosted a regional intelligence meeting this week for law enforcement agencies across southeastern Wisconsin. The goal: share information, identify trends, and coordinate a broader strategy.
Hoell said many cities may not yet realize their cases are connected.
“Pretty much no city has been untouched. They might not know they’re linked at this point, but they probably will now.”
Police Urge Residents to Strengthen Home Security
Mequon Police are urging residents to stay alert and report suspicious activity immediately — especially unknown vehicles cruising neighborhoods or parked near wooded areas.
Officers recommend:
- Setting residential alarms to audible mode
- Using interior and exterior video surveillance
- Activating alarms even during brief trips away
- Gathering license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions when safe
Police say home surveillance footage has been one of the most valuable tools in identifying suspects and tracking their movements across city lines.
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