Area police departments warn about South American theft groups and crime tourists

Multiple investigations linked to “South American Theft Groups” or “Crime Tourists” recently led the Upper Providence Police Department to alert the public about the nationwide trend of residential burglaries. Similar investigations are ongoing throughout the region, and federal law enforcement is involved. In 2023, the Abington Township Police Department issued a similar warning.

From the Upper Providence Police Department:

The Upper Providence Police Department, along with several municipal police agencies and federal law enforcement partners, has identified a nationwide trend of residential burglaries committed by groups known as “South American Theft Groups” (SATGs) or “Crime Tourists.” SATGs are highly organized criminal enterprises that travel from state to state, committing burglaries and thefts. These groups often employ advanced techniques to conceal their activities and typically target expensive homes, particularly those owned by Asian Americans. While these groups are often unrelated, they share similar methods in their operations.

Detectives from the Upper Providence Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division are currently investigating a recent burglary related to a SATG, as well as several other previous burglaries linked to the same trend. Although SATG members are frequently Colombian nationals, this crime pattern is evident throughout the country.

SATGs are known for stealing items such as jewelry, watches, designer merchandise, cash, and gold bars. They utilize radios, disguises, lookouts, and surveillance to scout out potential homes in neighborhoods. Once they decide to act, they execute the burglary quickly. The stolen items are typically shipped back to their home countries or sold prior to their departure.