Colombian theft group busted after Central Florida home burglaries, deputies say

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A Colombian South American Theft Group was tracked down in Central Florida after it targeted Asian business owners in the region, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

In a release, deputies said that the group was first identified after a major burglary popped up in Hillsborough County.

“(Hillsborough County deputies) tracked the group to Orange and Osceola counties, where our teams collaborated to bring down this crew,” the release reads.

Investigators explained that thieves spent weeks casing homes and businesses across Central Florida, often disguising themselves as landscapers to surveil victims and track their routines.

But on Monday, two suspects broke into an Orange County home as an OCSO drone watched on and captured the burglary as it happened, deputies added.

“A coordinated takedown followed in Osceola County, and all five suspects were arrested without incident,” the release continues.

Deputies said the suspects face charges of burglary, grand theft and criminal mischief, and ICE detainers were placed on all suspects at the jail.