More than 60 Houston-area homes hit in burglaries tied to South American theft ring, police say

More than 60 high-end homes across the Houston area have been burglarized in a sweeping spree authorities attribute to a South American theft ring, West University Place Police Chief Gary Ratliff told Fox News Digital.

Investigators said the group, which authorities describe as the South American Theft Group, used a consistent playbook in at least seven incidents in West University Place. Police said suspects targeted second-story rear windows between 7 and 9 p.m., climbed ladders or patio furniture, then broke glass or pried open windows with screwdrivers.

Authorities said the burglars repositioned security cameras, deployed signal jammers to disrupt alarm and Wi-Fi systems, and carried stolen property away in pillowcases and backpacks. Police said the thefts focused on high-value items, including designer purses and jewelry, and that in one instance residents were home when suspects entered but did not encounter them.

Ratliff told residents at a packed public safety meeting that the group’s footprint appears to be expanding beyond Houston. He said four break-ins and three attempted break-ins reported since January 2025 matched the group’s methods, and that authorities are also investigating related activity in California, Florida, Wisconsin and New York, according to his presentation.

West University Place police said officers arrested Chilean national Ignacio Castillo Contreras last year in connection with a burglary in which jewelry was stolen. Police also identified Christian Mauricio Rubio Pizarro as a person of interest; no charges have been filed in the burglaries and police said he remains jailed on unrelated charges and an immigration hold. Investigators said the case remains active as they work to prevent further break-ins.

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