Novi Residents on High Alert: Home Invasions Linked to Gangs
Hey, Novi! If you’ve been hearing chatter about neighborhood safety lately, it’s not just your imagination. The local police department has reported a concerning rise in home invasions that has folks feeling a little uneasy. Since late October, there have been four reported home invasions in our community, and unfortunately, investigators believe these incidents may be tied to *transnational gangs* operating in the area, with origins tracing back to South America.
What’s Happening?
Let’s break it down. All four of these home invasions occurred within a specific timeframe — between 5:45 p.m. and 9 p.m. So, if you’re typically out and about during those hours, you might want to think twice. In each of these cases, the suspects popped into the homes through the rear doors after breaking a window. And here’s a pattern: all the homes backed up to some sort of wooded area or field. It seems like these criminals have done their homework!
Spotting the Signs
Novi Police Cmdr. Jason Meier provided some *insightful* information about why detectives suspect these are not just random acts. “Their method of entry, items stolen, use of Wi-Fi jamming technology and targeted homes are all consistent with previous crimes we’ve seen in Oakland County,” Meier explained.
In fact, this isn’t just a Novi issue. Last year, the Oakland County Sheriff had to step in to tackle a spike in robberies targeting *high-end* homes. Sheriff Michael Bouchard revealed that the organized criminal network behind these activities has roots in Chile. It’s safe to say these aren’t just petty thefts — there’s a bigger picture at play.
A Closer Look at the Invasions
Let’s take a quick look at the incidents to grasp what’s been going on:
- Oct. 31: At a residence in the 40000 block of Revello Court, the thieves broke the window of a rear entry door and made off with stolen items. Luckily, the residents weren’t home.
- Nov. 2: Same story goes for a home in the 40000 block of Vento Drive — again, the window was broken, residents were out, and property was stolen.
- Nov. 15: The pattern continued with a couple of home invasions on this date, starting with a break-in at the 20000 block of Pomino Drive, following up with another in the 20000 block of Turnberry Boulevard.
If you’re keeping track, the common theme here is that all homes were unoccupied during the break-ins, and the thieves seem to be focusing on jewelry and high-end purses. Talk about targeting the good stuff!
What Can You Do?
So, how do we protect ourselves? Cmdr. Meier has some *great advice* for the community. First up, keep your homes and exteriors well-lit. A well-lit home is often a deterrent for thieves. Second, if you notice that your alarm or security cameras have lost their Wi-Fi connection, don’t brush that off! It could be a sign of something suspicious. Finally, always keep an eye out for your neighbors — if you see anyone behaving oddly or vehicles lingering where they shouldn’t be, give the police a call.
Final Thoughts
As the holidays approach, let’s look out for each other and keep our lovely Novi community safe and sound. Together, we can help ensure that our neighbors don’t become the next target. Stay alert, stay safe, and let’s keep those homes secure!
