Oakland County Launches Special Task Force to Combat Rising Home Burglaries
Responding to an increase in sophisticated home invasions, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard has announced the formation of a specialized task force. This initiative, named SEM CAB (Southeast Michigan Collaborative Arrest Prosecute), is a joint effort by various law enforcement agencies to address the surge of high-tech burglaries targeting affluent neighborhoods in metro Detroit.
The task force brings together local police, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Michigan State Police, US Border Patrol, and the US Secret Service. This broad collaboration reflects the serious challenge posed by these organized crime groups, mainly originating from Latin America, particularly Chile.
These burglars, described as highly skilled and well-equipped, use advanced techniques like WiFi jammers to neutralize security systems. They typically gain entry through less visible points like rear windows or second stories. Approximately 30 to 40 high-end homes have been targeted since last fall, with a notable increase in incidents over the past weekend.
Sheriff Bouchard advises residents to implement redundant security systems independent of WiFi and to alert police if unexpected WiFi disruptions occur, as this might signify jammer use. The task force's formation comes after several arrests linked to these burglary rings, suggesting the presence of over a hundred active teams nationwide.
The SEM CAB task force aims to dismantle these sophisticated criminal operations through the collective efforts of local, state, and federal agencies. Sheriff Bouchard has expressed gratitude for this collaboration and anticipates further charges from the attorney general.
Homeowners are encouraged to stay alert and report any suspicious activities, as law enforcement remains committed to protecting the community and apprehending these advanced burglars.