International crime ring South American Theft Group likely breaking into Henrico homes: police

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A crime trend appearing to be connected with the crime organization South American Theft Group (SATG) has been spotted in Henrico County.

Henrico County Police Division took to social media on Friday, Dec. 19, to warn community members of several home burglaries in the county that appear to be connected to this trend. Police said there have been 14 reports of such burglaries so far.

Per the announcement, the trend involves thieves seeking out cash and high-value items, including jewelry, designer handbags and precious metals.

Most of these crimes were committed in the west end of the county, per police.

This was not the group's first appearance in Central Virginia. In 2023, the international crime ring was spotted breaking into homes in Goochland County.

Henrico Police continues to investigate.

Over the past weeks, detectives have met with community members and business owners to provide them with information about this crime trend and safety tips. Officers will continue to patrol areas where these crimes have occurred, per the announcement.

As residents travel out of town for the holidays, Henrico Police urged homeowners to follow these home security tips:

• Consider purchasing a tamper-resistant outdoor camera that don't depend on Wi-Fi
• Consider investing in a monitored alarm system connected to the household power directly so if there's a loss of power, the alarm company will be notified
• Consider safety glass for doors and windows that are more difficult to enter through if broken
• Store valuable items in a safe or safe deposit box
• Stop mail and newspaper deliveries and put your lights on timers when traveling out-of-town for an extended period. This is to create an appearance of occupancy
• Include exterior lighting on the timer cycle

Henrico Police asked residents to be on the lookout for two or more perpetrators, suspicious solicitors that may arrive in larger groups, individuals traveling in SUVs and high-end vehicles and individuals who may drop off a group then leave.

You can report suspicious persons and vehicles to Henrico Police at 804-501-5000. Anyone who may be a victim of the home burglaries is also asked to contact Henrico Police.