The Paradise Valley Police Department held a public meeting at Town Hall Feb. 13 to update residents about the recent burglary trend in and around the Valley while providing tips about improving home security.
The discussion, attended by approximately 165 people, provided information about the South American Theft Groups (SATG), which have recently targeted cities across Phoenix, according to a press release. The organized crime groups are also referred to as Chilean Nationals.
While such activities are not new, it has become more prevalent in big cities across the country. They have operated mainly in the Los Angeles and New York City areas over the past decade.
In 2017–18, Ivan Romo, Federal Bureau of Investigation senior special agent, noticed an escalation in Chilean Nationals committing crimes in the United States, PVPD presented. Chile had recently been added to the ESTA program, an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under a visa. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers determine admissibility upon travelers’ arrival.