AVON, Conn. (WFSB) – For nearly five years, Avon police have been investigating the South American Burglary Squad, a crew of criminals breaking into homes around the East Coast, including Connecticut.

The group is from Chile, coming to the country on a temporary visa. They target wealthy neighborhoods around the East Coast to steal cash, jewelry and other valuables.

“They will enter the country on a temporary visa. Once they are in the country, they are not accounted for and can move freely,” said Lt. John Schmalberger, Avon Police Department. “They’ll originate in Miami or something and work through rental car companies, go up the coast and commit burglaries. No real ties to CT or Avon, just in town for the time it took to commit the burglary and they’re gone.”

Avon and Farmington police have been trying to take down the crew for years.

Avon police say there have been about two dozen home burglaries or attempted burglaries in the past four or five years.

The most recent was in May on Robkins Road.

“They’re looking for an open window, maybe an open back slider. They will force entry if they have to and then go into the master bedroom where people keep most of their valuables,” said Lt. Schmalberger.

There are five suspects. Two suspects were arrested in Camden County, Georgia after they were taken into custody.

Misael Palomino, 32, and Alexandria Bravo, 27, will be held in Connecticut on a $500,000 bond.

The suspects will return to Connecticut tonight and face a judge tomorrow.

They are charged with attempted burglary and conspiracy to commit burglary.

An Avon woman who lives near one of the burglaries took action after hearing about the organized crime squad.

“I have implemented multiple security cameras and measures in my own home,” she said. “I was getting really nervous. Whenever I leave, I make sure my house is secure and the alarm is on.”

“We are hosting community meetings with the victims of these crimes and are assuring them that we are working hard to solve them. They are hard to deal with and get an arrest,” Schmalberger said.

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