Colombian crime syndicate busted in NSW

A Sydney-based Colombian crime syndicate allegedly specialising in home invasions has been uncovered, with three men and two women behind bars.

The men, aged 27, 29 and 30, and women, 35 and 37, were arrested on Wednesday after police found balaclavas, house-breaking implements, a necklace, diamond ring and cash, in two separate car searches.

Their cars were stopped in Castle Cove, on Sydney's north shore, and Bondi, in the eastern suburbs.

Officers later searched a Bondi unit on Thursday, where they found jewellery, watches, handbags, mobile phones and cash.

Police allege the items were connected to break and enters in West Pymble and St Ives orchestrated by a "Colombian crime syndicate".

Three of the alleged offenders are due to appear before Central Local Court on Friday with the other two due to appear before the same court on October 30.