Wisconsin Police Warn of Coordinated Burglaries Linked to South American Crime Groups

MEQUON, Wis. — November 24, 2025 — Law enforcement agencies in southeastern Wisconsin are responding to a series of residential burglaries believed to be carried out by professional theft groups with ties to South America, officials said.

The Mequon Police Department (MPD) reported that the burglaries share distinct characteristics, including suspects dressed entirely in black with faces covered and gloves worn, entering homes through wooded backyards. The targeted properties are often located in cul-de-sacs or near golf courses in affluent neighborhoods.

Stolen items typically include jewelry, designer handbags, watches, and cash, consistent with patterns seen in organized theft rings operating across the United States. Police released deer cam footage showing three masked individuals moving through wooded areas near the targeted homes.

MPD hosted a regional intelligence-sharing meeting on November 12, bringing together multiple law enforcement agencies from southeastern Wisconsin to exchange information and identify trends. Investigators are collaborating with the Wisconsin Department of Justice and the state crime lab to process evidence and cross-reference incidents across jurisdictions.

Officials noted that the burglaries bear hallmarks of South American theft groups (SATGs) known for operating nationwide, although no suspects have been identified to date. Mequon Police Operations Commander John Hoell told Fox News Digital that the consistent methods of entry and targeted items suggest a well-coordinated group operating on a regional or national scale.

Hoell highlighted similarities between the recent Mequon-area burglaries and a 2023 break-in at the home of Milwaukee Bucks player Bobby Portis in River Hills, which also involved professional theft groups. The MPD continues to lead efforts to combat these crimes through intelligence sharing and coordinated investigations.

Authorities urge residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as investigations continue.