WEDDINGTON, N.C. — Three suspects who broke into a Union County home last week are connected to an organized crime ring that has been targeting high-value homes across the U.S., according to a statement from the Union County Sheriff's Office on Saturday.
The break-in happened in the Highgate subdivision in Weddington.
Deputies arrested one of the suspects, 23-year-old Michael Giovanni Bejarano Rodriguez, who they identified as being from South America.
Along with two other men, the sheriff said, Rodriguez forced entry into an occupied home but ran away as soon as they realized someone was inside.
"Thus far in the ongoing investigation, detectives have connected this incident to a larger group of South American nationals who are actively targeting high-value homes across the United States," the sheriff's office said in a statement.
This organized crime group is "responsible for a growing number of break-ins in cities nationwide," the statement said.
In the past two years, detectives have investigated about 10-15 similar break-ins or burglary attempts in the Weddington and Marvin areas, the statement said. WCNC Charlotte reached out to the Union County Sheriff's Office for clarification about whether or not those break-ins are believed to be related to the same organization sought for last week's break-in.
The sheriff's office has not yet responded to that request.
"While these cases are fewer here than in larger cities, the impact on the homeowners affected is significant. Rest assured, our local law enforcement is working hard, in collaboration with federal agencies, to investigate and apprehend everyone involved in these crimes," the statement said.
Rodriguez faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree burglary, larceny and fleeing to elude arrest. He remains in custody.
The sheriff's office shared these tips for protecting your home from break-ins:
• Stay Alert: If you see something suspicious, don’t hesitate to call 911.
• Secure Your Home: Ensure your alarm system is activated every time you leave the house and consider investing in a doorbell camera.
• Don’t Share Vacation Plans: Avoid posting on social media when you’re away from home for an extended time, as this can signal an opportunity for burglars.
• Vary Your Routine: Make it less predictable when you come and go from your home to make it more difficult for potential criminals to target your property.
• Keep Your Home Lit: Use timers to keep interior lights on, giving the appearance that someone is home even when you're not.
• Protect Valuables: Take photos of important items and store them in a safe. Avoid keeping large amounts of cash at home.
"We understand that news like this can be concerning, but we want to reassure you that law enforcement is fully committed to ensuring the safety of our community," the sheriff said, adding, "By working together and staying vigilant, we can help prevent these crimes and keep our neighborhoods secure."