Wisconsin Police Link String of Mequon Home Burglaries to Organized South American Crime Ring, Warn Residents
MEQUON, Wisconsin — Police say a coordinated South American crime group is responsible for a growing string of home burglaries in Mequon, with investigators confirming another break-in reported Monday morning, adding to a pattern that has now spread across southeastern Wisconsin.
Police Say Burglars Are Operating in a Highly Organized Pattern
According to new details shared with The Center Square, the Mequon Police Department believes the burglary crew is part of a larger South American theft organization targeting upscale homes during early evening hours Thursday through Sunday.
Police told the outlet that thieves consistently break in through wooded backyards, selecting homes on cul-de-sacs, dead-end roads, or properties near golf courses—typically when the homeowners are away.
Authorities also said the suspects appear to be using trail cameras and monitoring devices to track when residents leave.
Items stolen so far include:
- Jewelry
- Designer purses
- High-end watches
- Cash
Police urged residents to activate home alarm systems and exterior cameras every time they leave, even briefly.
Possible Connection to Bobby Portis Burglary and Multi-State Athlete Heists
Mequon Police Operations Commander John Hoell told The Center Square that the recent local burglaries share striking similarities to the 2024 burglary of Milwaukee Bucks player Bobby Portis’ home in nearby River Hills—an incident prosecutors linked to a Chilean crime group that targeted high-profile athletes nationwide.
Charges in that earlier case involved thefts worth over $2 million, impacting stars like:
- Travis Kelce
- Patrick Mahomes
- Joe Burrow
- Other NFL and NBA players
The department said the burglars’ methods and target patterns match those seen in these earlier cases.
Police Alert Regional Departments as Concerns Spread Across Wisconsin
Mequon police shared surveillance video and intelligence last week at a regional information-sharing meeting, warning other agencies that the burglaries appear to follow a coordinated strategy.
The department said every known burglary so far involved:
- Homes unoccupied at the time
- Entry through wooded rear areas
- Activity between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
- Groups carrying tools, backpacks, and face coverings
Residents are asked to report any suspicious activity to Mequon Police at 262-242-3500, especially if they can provide clothing descriptions or a vehicle plate number.
Political Reactions Emerge as Officials Cite Border Security Concerns
In comments to The Center Square, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany linked the burglaries to national border issues, criticizing Democratic policy and calling for “stronger immigration enforcement.”
Police, however, have not publicly tied the local cases to national politics, focusing instead on tracking the organized networks responsible.
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