Organized Burglary Rings Are Targeting Homes Like Yours — What You Need to Know
Across the U.S.—and increasingly in Pennsylvania—organized burglary crews known as South American Theft Groups (SATGs) are breaking into high-end homes, often while the owners are out of town.
These aren’t petty thieves. They’re highly coordinated, and most are illegal immigrants—part of international theft operations that move from state to state, staying off the radar and hitting fast.
How They Operate
SATG crews scout affluent homes that appear unoccupied—vacation properties, second homes, or houses with minimal activity. They use:
Signal jammers to block alarms and surveillance
Ladders to access second-story windows
Drones for nighttime surveillance
Coordinated teams that break in and get out in minutes
They don’t just target jewelry and cash—they look for high-end goods, safes, and anything they can flip fast. And they’re rarely caught in the act.
Recent Activity
Main Line, PA: Police suspect SATG involvement in recent break-ins
Pro athletes targeted: Joe Burrow, Travis Kelce, and Patrick Mahomes all had their homes burglarized while out of state
Suburbs are prime targets: Quiet neighborhoods with long driveways and low traffic are ideal for these crews
Where Police Stop—We Step In
Law enforcement often responds to alarms, but if there’s no sign of forced entry or probable cause, they leave. That leaves your home exposed.
Citadel Residential Risk Group performs trusted, professional property walkthroughs that catch what motion sensors miss. We:
Check every door, window, and access point
Document visits with timestamped photos
Respond after alerts or alarms when others don’t
Call 911 immediately if something’s wrong
Don’t Wait for Something to Happen
These groups target homes just like yours. If you’re leaving town—or if your property sits vacant for any stretch—you need more than cameras and luck.
Criminals plan ahead. So should you.
Schedule a walkthrough or emergency visit today: citadelresidential.org
Citadel Residential Risk Group
Private. Trusted. Discreet.