Over a six-month period from last August to this January, homeowners in the Windmill Ranch community in Weston were targeted by a sophisticated group of thieves who carried out residential burglaries with losses to homeowners of more than $2 million dollars. After a lengthy and multi-layered investigation, Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies and detectives have put an end to their crime spree.

BSO arrested two individuals for their roles in the burglaries – Jose Elias Barrozo-Espinoza, (DOB 12/4/1987), and Daniel Osorio-Valencia, (DOB 7/22/1983). An additional four individuals believed to have been involved in the crimes were arrested on unrelated charges. The investigation involving these individuals is active and ongoing.

According to detectives, the thieves conducted detailed surveillance of their victims prior to breaking into the homes through rear sliding doors and windows. Once they gained access to the homes, the thieves targeted safes to steal cash and jewelry. The in-depth investigation, which involved BSO’s Burglary Apprehension Team, revealed the thieves were part of a South American Theft Group, which are organized criminal groups that target high-end homes using surveillance and technology to commit their crimes.

The items pictured above show the some of the technological equipment and common items used to facilitate the crimes. For instance, the thieves used WIFI jammers, two-way radios, hammers, Sawzalls and even inflatable boats to transverse a nearby waterway to gain access to the gated community.

During the investigation, DNA from one of the suspects, Barrozo-Espinoza, was located following a November burglary. In March, he was arrested in Indiana trying to commit another high-end residential burglary. He has been extradited to Broward County to face charges in the Weston case.

Additionally, on Dec. 31, two suspects attempted to burglarize an unoccupied home in Windmill Ranch. The alert homeowner called 911 after receiving an alert on his phone. BSO deputies responded and captured one of the suspects, Osorio-Valencia.

Earlier this month, more than 20 BSO employees earned BSO Employee of the Month honors from the city of Weston. To learn more about their recognition and additional details of this case, see this news release posted by the city of Weston.