Chileans arrested over spate of break-ins

A gang of Chileans are believed to be responsible for a spate of thefts in the UK, with property worth more than £1 million being stolen.

The South Americans were flown into the country by an organised criminal network and are thought to be behind hundreds of break-ins.

In the past eight months, 36 people – all believed to be Chilean nationals – have been arrested.

Of these, 16 have been convicted of burglary-related offences. Of the remaining 20, eight have been deported and 12 have left the country after being released under investigation.

An investigation known as Operation Genie started after a spate of burglaries in southwest London and Surrey in 2017.

High-value items including designer clothes, handbags, jewellery and watches, were stolen.

Some attempts were also made to transport the stolen property back out of the country.

As a result of the identification of vehicles, a number of people were arrested in London, as well as Hertfordshire, Surrey and Sussex, during the first four months of 2018.

Detective inspector Tim Court, an organised crime adviser who co-ordinated the investigation, said: “I would like to thank the Chilean Embassy, which has provided a great deal of support in helping to identify the people responsible for these crimes.”