3 men linked to South American theft groups arrested for series of break-ins, CMPD says

CHARLOTTE — Three men have been arrested in connection with a series of break-ins believed to be linked to an organization in South America, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

A group of crime tourists, referred to as South American theft groups, are targeting wealthy households and stealing high-end designer items before returning to their country of origin.

“They generally stole jewelry, cash, and electronics,” said CMPD Maj. Jonathan Thomas.

Colombian nationals Alexander Panameno, 49, Anuar Noviteno, 33, and David Caicedo-Delgado, 34, have recently been arrested and charged in connection with 19 cases in Charlotte, according to police. They could also be linked to more than 50 cases across the United States.

Caicedo-Delgado is the suspected getaway driver in these incidents. He has been charged with one chase in Charlotte and is under investigation for several others outside of Charlotte, according to police.

CMPD said an investigation revealed that Noviteno and Panameno generally broke into homes during daytime hours.

“They were found with surveillance devices that they were using to surveil people,” Thomas said. “In other parts of the country, they’ve used drones. They’ve used thermal imagers.”

To avoid suspicion, the suspects wore high-visibility clothing to appear as construction or lawncare workers.

“Neighbors or possible witnesses would see it going on and it just looked average for them,” Thomas said.

In May, detectives identified Panameno and Noviteno as suspects in these cases, and Caicedo-Delgado was identified as the driver of a White Ford Transit Van that was used in the break-ins.

In June, all three men were arrested after being observed breaking into a home on Tribune Drive.

A search warrant was executed on a home connected to the suspects and stolen luxury items, including jewelry, watches, and handbags worth $130,000. Burglary tools, masks, and more than $12,000 in cash were also seized.

“There’s a lot of communication with New York, back and forth, probably ends up in stores there, the cash and currency,” Thomas said. “A lot of it, we believe ends up back in their home country.”

CMPD is continuing to investigate these break-ins. If you believe you are a victim, call 911 or 704-432-TIPS to relay information.

Residents are also encouraged to take additional precautions to prevent their homes from being targeted:

• Utilize deadbolts
• Install window locks
• Have good exterior lighting
• If you have an alarm, make sure it’s operational and registered
• Notify trusted neighbors when going out of town
• If you use a safe, make sure it’s at least 200 pounds

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