A sophisticated burglary operation has struck over 60 luxury residences throughout the Houston region, linked to a South American criminal network employing advanced techniques like signal jammers and counter-surveillance to avoid capture. This revelation was shared by West University Place Police Chief Gary Ratliff during an interview with Fox News Digital.
The syndicate, identified as the South American Theft Group (SATG), is suspected of being behind a series of break-ins not only in West University Place but also in neighboring counties and across the United States, according to law enforcement officials.
During a public safety meeting held in West University Place on Wednesday night, concerned residents gathered as Chief Ratliff issued a warning about the group’s widening reach beyond the Houston area.
“It was startling,” said resident Bill Jones to FOX 26 in Houston. “The idea of people from South America targeting Americans is frightening and unfortunate. It’s surprising that no one has been injured yet.”
Recently, it was discovered that a rash of burglaries in Houston is linked to this South American theft ring, according to local authorities.
In West University Place alone, seven burglaries have been reported, with police noting that these incidents follow a distinct and repeated pattern.
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.
