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Over 60 luxury homes throughout the Houston area have been targeted in a large-scale burglary spree, allegedly orchestrated by a South American theft ring. This group reportedly employs signal jammers and sophisticated counter-surveillance methods to avoid being caught, as confirmed by West University Place Police Chief Gary Ratliff in a statement to Fox News Digital.
This criminal network, identified as the South American Theft Group (SATG), is believed to be behind a series of break-ins not only in West University Place and surrounding counties but also in various locations across the United States, according to law enforcement officials.
During a public safety meeting held on Wednesday night in West University Place, concerned residents gathered as Chief Ratliff issued a warning that the group’s operations are extending beyond the confines of Houston.
Resident Bill Jones expressed his alarm to FOX 26 Houston, saying, “It was shocking. People from South America terrorizing Americans. That’s pretty scary and unfortunate. I’m really surprised no one has gotten hurt.”
Officials have tied the series of burglaries in Houston to this South American theft ring, highlighting the group’s ability to elude detection through advanced techniques.
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.
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.
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.
Investigators say the case remains active as authorities work to prevent additional burglaries in the community.