They target the richest homes in the neighborhood. They bring equipment that can jam security alarms. They wear all-black, face masks, and gloves.

The high-end burglary problem in Oakland County has escalated to the point that a new task force has been created to stop the transnational gangs that have targeted the high-end mansions that dot the Southeast Michigan county.

Convened by the Oakland County Sheriffs Office earlier this week, the Southeast Michigan Collaborate Arrest and Prosecute (SEMCAP) team is made up of more than 30 agencies ranging from local police departments to the federal government.

“This group is very methodical,” said Sheriff Michael Bouchard. The robbers ‘have used things like trackers on cars, they’ve used trail cams to do pattern of life to determine when you’re coming and going.”

Bouchard believes the group that’s targeted homes in Oakland County are of Chilean-origin based on recent arrests of another gang in the county. The sheriff said four suspects tied to a separate jewelry theft ring were from Chile. Other apprehensions made in other states have also been tied to Oakland County robberies.

fox2detroit.com