As Hoosiers gear up for vacation travel with the arrival of warmer weather, the FBI Indianapolis has issued a cautionary advisory urging residents to take preventative measures against potential break-ins.
The warning highlights a growing concern over international theft groups, primarily composed of individuals from South American countries, who have been orchestrating organized thefts and burglaries across Indiana.
The FBI (Credits: The Guardian)
These international criminals specialize in targeting homes within wealthy neighborhoods, mainly when residents are away, focusing their efforts on master bedrooms to steal high-end jewelry, accessories, and cash. Their modus operandi includes surveilling potential victims to ascertain their daily routines and identify opportune moments for theft.
These groups have expanded their activities beyond residential burglaries, including distraction robberies in public places such as grocery stores.
Techniques involve the stealthy extraction of credit cards from unsuspecting victims’ wallets or the outright theft of the wallets themselves. Stolen cards are often used to purchase pre-paid gift cards from various retailers, compounding the victims’ financial losses.
FBI Agents (Credits: FBI Jobs)
Special Agent Herbert J. Stapleton of FBI Indianapolis emphasized that the FBI closely monitors these crimes. The agency is actively monitoring these international organized theft groups, working to intercept them as they transition between targets.
Collaboration with local law enforcement agencies is a crucial strategy for counteracting and diminishing the threat posed by these criminals to Indiana residents.
This advisory reminds residents to remain vigilant and adopt necessary security measures, particularly when planning to be away from home. By staying informed and prepared, Hoosiers can help protect themselves and their communities from these sophisticated international theft operations.
