A surge in residential burglaries targeting Asian families in metro Denver has now extended to Lone Tree, according to a recent announcement by the local police department. In the past few weeks, Lone Tree has witnessed a noticeable uptick in break-ins that appear to be part of a larger trend in the Denver Metro area. The burglaries have predominantly focused on homes belonging to Asian residents, with thieves making off with cash, purses, jewelry, and other high-value items.
Authorities believe the perpetrators are gaining entry into homes by breaking large windows or sliding glass doors at the rear of the properties. These targeted residences typically border commercial spaces, open areas, or golf courses. Following two burglaries in the Heritage Hills neighborhood on Nov. 12 and Dec. 3, Lone Tree police were able to identify a “vehicle of interest” through security camera and doorbell footage.
The vehicle in question is a gray GMC Envoy with noticeable damage to the front driver’s side, non-matching wheels, and a sunroof. It was captured on camera at the scenes of both burglaries, without any license plates attached. Residents are urged to report any sightings of this vehicle to 911 immediately, and those with security camera systems are asked to review their footage for any sightings of the suspect vehicle.
Although no one has been present at the homes during the burglaries thus far, the Douglas County sheriff’s deputies have noted a similar pattern targeting Asian business owners while they are away. It is suspected that these incidents may be linked to an organization known as the South American Theft Gang, which operates by entering the U.S. on short-term visas, establishing false identities, and focusing on high-end retail establishments and residences.
The gang has reportedly disabled alarm systems, disrupted wireless internet signals to disable security cameras, and made off with an estimated $1 million in cash, jewelry, and luxury goods. In a separate incident in Aspen, four individuals allegedly associated with the gang used construction equipment to break into a luxury watch store by cutting through the walls.
While it remains unclear if the gang is connected to the Lone Tree burglaries, investigators are collaborating with various law enforcement agencies in the metro area to consolidate cases, leads, and advancements in the investigation. Patrols in residential neighborhoods in Lone Tree are being increased to enhance security measures.
Individuals with any information regarding the burglaries are encouraged to contact investigators at 720-509-1225 or the anonymous tip line at 720-509-1160. For those interested in receiving daily crime news updates, they can sign up to have updates sent directly to their inbox.
