In recent months, luxury homes in Colorado’s Arapahoe County have become prime targets for burglary, with local authorities attributing these crimes to organized theft groups allegedly operating from South America. Sheriff Tyler S. Brown has issued alerts to residents, particularly those in affluent neighborhoods such as Cherry Hills Village and Columbine Valley, advising them to be vigilant about the increased risk of home invasions. These targeted burglaries, dubbed “dinnertime burglaries,” typically occur during the early evening hours when homeowners might be dining out, leaving their homes vulnerable to intrusion.
The surge in burglaries has prompted the sheriff’s department to report that, between February and October of 2024, at least nine high-value residential break-ins have been documented in the region. These incidents frequently happen within one to two hours after sunset and disproportionately target homes that are backed by open spaces or have heavy tree coverage, which may provide cover for the thieves. The noted burglaries are part of a broader crime wave linked to South American crime syndicates, which are allegedly responsible for similar thefts across various states.
As described by law enforcement, these burglaries typically involve groups of two to four suspects who are well-prepared and deliberate in their approach. They usually execute their break-ins between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM, wearing masks, gloves, and hoodies to avoid identification. Methodically, they break through exterior glass doors and search for valuables, including jewelry, designer handbags, and cash. Significantly, there have even been reports of homeowners encountering these intruders when they were at home, marking a terrifying trend in residential security.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments, are collaborating to tackle this issue. They describe the theft wave not only as a localized problem but as part of an ongoing nationwide trend where similar burglaries are reported in cities like Scottsdale, Arizona, and the San Fernando Valley in California. This alarming pattern underscores the pervasive nature of organized crime across the United States, as criminals increasingly appear to be coordinating their efforts across state lines.
The alarming rise in such crimes has often been linked to what some sources characterize as lax border policies under the Biden-Harris administration, which critics argue have facilitated the influx of criminal gangs into the country. Instances of migrant-led theft rings in various regions serve as further evidence of a widespread security crisis. Reports from across the nation reveal that migrants have been implicated in numerous theft rings, from Florida to the Chicago area, pointing to an evolving landscape of criminal activity that leverages issues related to immigration and border enforcement.
In response to these growing safety concerns, law enforcement agencies have provided guidance to homeowners on securing their properties better and minimizing vulnerabilities that allow such crimes to occur. They encourage residents to be proactive in their neighborhood watch efforts, report suspicious activities promptly, and utilize security measures such as higher-quality locks, lighting, and surveillance systems. As the investigation into these high-profile thefts continues, the collaboration between local law enforcement and the community will be critical in combating this trend and restoring a sense of safety within these affluent neighborhoods.