Authorities believe transnational gangs are behind recent home invasions in Novi

NOVI — There have been four home invasions in Novi since Oct. 31 that are believed to be related to transnational gangs operating in the area with their origin in South America, according to the Novi Police Department.

The invasions have a lot of factors in common. All the invasions occurred at the same time of day — between 5:45 p.m. and 9 p.m. — all the properties were entered from the rear, and all the homes back up to either a wooded area or a field.

Novi Police Cmdr. Jason Meier explained why police think the home invasions in Novi are the work of transnational gangs.

“Their method of entry, items stolen, use of Wi-Fi jamming technology and homes targeted is consistent with previous crimes in Oakland County and arrests made in other communities,” Meier said.

Last year, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard created a task force to address a rise in robberies of high-end homes. At that time, Bouchard said the organized criminal network working in the area had its roots in Chile.

Between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Oct. 31, unknown people broke the window on a rear entry door of a residence in the 40000 block of Revello Court, near Beck and Eight Mile roads. They then entered the home and stole items. The residents were not home at the time of the invasion, according to a press release. Police believe the thieves approached the house from the nearby woods to which the property backs up.

Then on Nov. 2, unknown people once again broke the window of a rear entry door to a home in the 40000 block of Vento Drive, near Garfield and Eight Mile roads. As in the other incident, the residents were not home and the burglary occurred around the same time between 6 p.m. and 8:55 p.m. The suspects entered the home and stole items from it. This residence backs up to a large field, which police believe is how the suspects approached the home.

On Nov. 15, there were two additional home invasions. At 5:46 p.m., unknown people broke the window of a second-story bathroom of a residence in the 20000 block of Pomino Drive, near Garfield and Eight Mile roads. The residents were not home, and the thieves entered the home and stole items. This residence backs up to a wooded area, and police believe the thieves approached the home from the woods.

That same night at 6:58 p.m., unknown people broke the window of the rear door at a home in the 20000 block of Turnberry Boulevard, near Haggerty and Eight Mile roads. Similar to the other incidents, the residents were not home and the thieves made entry and stole from the home. This residence also backs up to a wooded area, and police believed that the suspects approached the house through the woods.

According to Meier, the thieves are stealing jewelry and high-end purses. All the invasions are still under investigation.

Meier advises homeowners to keep their homes and their exteriors well lit. He said to be suspicious if your alarm or cameras lose their Wi-Fi connection.

“Be vigilant for your neighbors. Report any suspicious people or vehicles,” said Meier.