Organized South American crime group burglarizes over 60 high-end Houston-area homes targeting designer goods

Over 60 Houston-area homes allegedly hit by South American theft ring using signal jammers and counter-surveillance tactics during burglary spree. Houston and Galveston Organized South American crime group burglarizes over 60 high-end Houston-area homes targeting designer goods Crime network targets second-story windows and repositions security cameras By Greg Wehner Fox News Published February 19, 2026 10:47pm EST Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video 'Technically advanced' burglary ring arrested by ICE in Colorado Fox News senior correspondent Alicia Acuna discusses Colorado police arresting 5 Colombian nationals in connection to burglaries across the state on 'America's Newsroom.' NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! More than 60 high-end homes across the Houston area have been hit in a sweeping burglary spree tied to a South American theft ring using signal jammers and counter-surveillance tactics to evade detection, West University Place Police Chief Gary Ratliff confirmed to Fox News Digital. The organized crime network, known as the South American Theft Group (SATG), has been linked to numerous break-ins in West University Place, surrounding counties and across the country, authorities said.Residents packed a public safety meeting Wednesday night in West University Place, where Ratliff warned that the group’s footprint is expanding beyond Houston. "It was shocking," resident Bill Jones told FOX 26 in Houston. "People from South America terrorizing Americans. That’s pretty scary and unfortunate. I’m really surprised no one has gotten hurt." CALIFORNIA JEWELRY STORE BURGLAR BREAKS IN FROM ROOF, OWNER THREATENS TO LEAVE LOS ANGELES A Houston burglary spree was found to be tied to a South American theft ring, according to officials. (Fox 26 Houston) Seven of the burglaries occurred in West University Place alone, and police say the cases follow a consistent playbook.Investigators said suspects target second-story windows at the rear of homes between 7 and 9 p.m., climbing ladders or patio furniture before breaking glass or prying windows open with screwdrivers. The burglars allegedly reposition security cameras, deploy signal jammers to disrupt alarm and Wi-Fi systems and carry stolen property away in pillowcases and backpacks. The suspects primarily steal high-value items, including designer purses and jewelry. In one case, residents were home when burglars entered, though they did not encounter the suspects.AURORA TERRORIZED BY VENEZUELAN GANG AS DICTATOR MADURO LET TREN DE ARAGUA SEIZE POWER Ignacio Castillo Contreras was arrested in February 2025 for alleged forced entry into a home, and the West University Police said he was in possession of jewelry and a radio frequency jammer. (West University Place Police) According to Ratliff’s presentation, four break-ins and three attempted break-ins have been reported since January 2025, and all seven appear consistent with the group’s methods. Authorities said the organization is also under investigation in California, Florida, Wisconsin and New York, suggesting the Houston cases may be part of a broader nationwide operation.MASKED THIEVES IN SOUTH AMERICAN CRIME RING LOOT AMERICAN HOMES IN COORDINATED PATTERN, POLICE WARN Ignacio Castillo Contreras was arrested in February 2025 for alleged forced entry into a home, and the West University Police said he was in possession of jewelry and a radio frequency jammer. (West University Place Police)"Most of these folks, they're pretty intelligent," Ratliff said. "They're using burner phones, they're using other information that makes it very difficult to follow." Last year, officers arrested Chilean national Ignacio Castillo Contreras in connection with one of the burglaries in which jewelry was stolen. Police have also identified Christian Mauricio Rubio Pizarro as a person of interest, though no charges have been filed against him. He is currently facing unrelated charges in Houston and remains jailed on an immigration hold.CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APPInvestigators say the case remains active as authorities work to prevent additional burglaries in the community. Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.Story tips and ideas can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter @GregWehner. Related Topics Houston and GalvestonTexasOrganized CrimePolice and Law EnforcementMigrant Crime True Crime The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal. Arrives Weekly By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. Subscribe Subscribed Subscribe You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!