State Rep. Mike Harris, R-Waterford, who served 26 years in law enforcement, on Wednesday issued the following statement after the Tuesday conviction of one of the Chilean nationals responsible for a series of home invasions in Oakland County:

“The conviction of this home invader is another step toward a safer Oakland County. Transnational gangs have terrorized our community, raiding families’ homes and stealing their valuables. I’m grateful that Sheriff Bouchard and our local law enforcement officers are working tirelessly to crack down on these lawless invasions, and this conviction is a result of their vigilant investigation. State and local officials must keep striving to protect the people of Michigan, while the federal government strengthens our homeland security.”