In a major breakthrough, authorities in Rhode Island have arrested a "sophisticated" gang of robbers responsible for a series of break-ins targeting South Asian families in Massachusetts. The gang, comprised of Steven Bredugo, Paul Miller, Jovan Lemon, and his brother Paul Lemon, was apprehended on Friday.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan revealed that the perpetrators specifically targeted these families, knowing that they possessed valuable heirlooms that had been passed down through generations. Ryan expressed concern that the victims were not only robbed of their belongings but also of their cultural heritage.

The robbers believed that these families, due to their cultural observances and heritage, would have a significant amount of gems, gold jewelry, and cash. Their alleged crime spree included 43 break-ins across 25 towns in Massachusetts, occurring between July 21, 2018, and March 30, 2024. The stolen property was estimated to be valued at over $4 million.

Authorities commended the thieves for their sophistication in concealing their identities and evading security measures such as alarms. They also took precautionary measures to minimize cell phone usage before, during, and after the break-ins, along with utilizing Wi-Fi jammers.

The targeted homes were vacant either for a short period, such as a dinner or an evening out, or for an extended duration, like a vacation. Safes, some weighing as much as 400 pounds, were removed by the burglars after gaining entry through second-floor windows.

The stolen items included a vast array of diamonds, gems, studded jewelry with individual pieces valued up to $75,000, gold bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and substantial amounts of cash. Efforts are underway to return the recovered items to their rightful owners.

Authorities discovered a troubling lead during their investigation, finding a list of temple memberships and families associated with these institutions. According to Ryan, the thieves may have used this information to determine when families would be attending temple events, presenting an opportunity for the robbers to strike when the houses were vacant.

The burglaries took place in multiple towns across Massachusetts, including Andover, Bellingham, Billerica, Boxborough, Boxford, Carlisle, Easton, Franklin, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lincoln, Littleton, Medway, Middleton, Millis, North Attleboro, Norwell, Pembroke, Seekonk, Sharon, Southborough, Sudbury, Wenham, Weston, and Westwood.

Ryan expressed her sympathy towards the victims, stating that they had been genuinely traumatized by these events. Some families had not only lost valuable possessions but also cherished pieces of their cultural heritage.

The alleged thieves, known to officials in Providence, Rhode Island, are connected to a local gang. They have been indicted on 95 counts of unarmed burglary and breaking and entering a dwelling house in the daytime with the intent to commit a felony.

The successful apprehension of this gang brings a sense of relief to the affected communities and sends a strong message that targeted crimes of this nature will not go unpunished.