Many of the South American Theft Group members who show success in their early stages of distraction thefts and pick pocketing move on to crime groups conducting activities on a much larger scale such as jewel groups. Some active jewel groups remain loyal to their craft; these groups are opportunists, waiting patiently for the "target" to become complacent and then striking with stealth or distraction. However, other jewel groups have resorted to escalated violent attacks on victims. Such attacks include carjackings, home invasions, and armed robberies conducted with commando-style precision. Some law enforcement officials attribute this to the demobilization of paramilitary groups in Colombia and the enjoining of former guerrillas with the theft groups.
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