South American theft ring hits 60+ Houston homes using signal jammers
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More than 60 high-end homes in the Houston area were hit in a large-scale burglary linked to a South American burglary ring that used jammers and counter-surveillance tactics to avoid detection, West University Place Police Chief Gary Ratliff confirmed to Fox News Digital.
The organized crime ring known as the South American Burglary Group (SATG) has been linked to numerous break-ins in West University Place, surrounding counties and across the country, authorities said.
Area residents held a public safety meeting Wednesday night at West University Place; here Ratliff cautioned that the group’s footprint extends beyond Houston.
“It was shocking,” local resident Bill Jones said FOX 26 in Houston. “People from South America are terrorizing Americans. It’s pretty scary and unfortunate. I’m really surprised no one was injured.”
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According to authorities, the burglary in Houston was linked to a theft ring in South America. (Fox 26 Houston)
Seven of the burglaries occurred on West University Place alone, and police say the cases follow a consistent tactic.
Investigators said the suspects targeted second-story windows at the rear of homes between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., climbing stairs or patio furniture and breaking glass or opening windows with a screwdriver. Thieves allegedly relocated security cameras, installed jammers to disrupt alarm and Wi-Fi systems, and carried stolen items in pillowcases and backpacks.
Suspects primarily steal high-value items, including designer purses and jewelry. In one case, residents were home when the burglars broke in but did not encounter the suspects.
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Ignacio Castillo Contreras was arrested for allegedly breaking into a home in February 2025, and Western University Police said he was in possession of jewelry and a radio frequency jammer. (West University Place Police)
According to Ratliff’s presentation, four burglaries and three attempted break-ins have been reported since January 2025, and all seven appear to be consistent with the group’s methods.
Authorities stated that the organization is also under investigation in California, Florida, Wisconsin and New York, and suggested that the Houston cases may be part of a broader operation across the country.
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Ignacio Castillo Contreras was arrested for allegedly breaking into a home in February 2025, and Western University Police said he was in possession of jewelry and a radio frequency jammer. (West University Place Police)
“Most of these people are pretty smart,” Ratliff said. “They use user phones, they use other information that makes it very difficult to track.”
Last year, police officers arrested Chilean national Ignacio Castillo Contreras in connection with one of the thefts in which jewelery was stolen. Police also identified Christian Mauricio Rubio Pizarro as a suspect, but no charges were filed against him. He currently faces unrelated charges in Houston and is being held in jail on immigration grounds.
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Investigators say the case remains active as authorities work to prevent further thefts in the community.
