In Pitalito municipality, authorities arrested two men and a minor allegedly linked to the 'Los del Sur' group, involved in violent jewelry thefts. The group targeted victims in the urban center, following them before snatching chains and rings in quick attacks. The arrests followed weeks of surveillance and security camera footage analysis.
The 'Los del Sur' group specialized in snatch-and-grab thefts in the heart of the Laboyos valley, targeting individuals wearing gold jewelry. Police investigations revealed that members patrolled the central area to spot and tail potential victims for several blocks. Once close, they violently seized valuables like chains and rings before fleeing on motorcycles through traffic.
Community complaints and merchant reports raised alarms with authorities about recurring patterns in the robberies, such as the same individuals on motorcycles. Review of security camera footage, alongside intelligence work, identified the suspects. With judicial warrants, operations in the Porvenir neighborhood led to the capture of alias 'Alexis', alleged leader, and alias 'Píldora'. A teenager, reportedly exploited for the crimes, was also detained.
Officials noted the arrested individuals have prior records for theft and illegal firearm possession. They now face charges for qualified and aggravated theft, combined with using minors in criminal activities. A judge ordered pretrial detention in a correctional facility after hearings.
Earlier, another member, alias 'Orejas', died in August of the previous year during a similar theft on Pastrana Avenue, highlighting the group's dangerous operations.