In response to a troubling surge in burglaries targeting the homes of professional athletes, the FBI has issued a formal alert to sports leagues across the country. Organized theft groups are exploiting athletes’ high-profile lifestyles and travel schedules to carry out sophisticated break-ins, often while the athletes are away for games or other commitments.
According to Aaron Katersky and Josh Margolin of ABC News, the FBI’s Liaison Information Report highlights that “at least nine professional athletes” have been victims of these crimes between September and November 2024.
Among the high-profile targets are NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, and NBA players Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks, Mike Conley Jr. of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Related:
Sophisticated tactics by organized theft groups
The FBI has identified organized theft groups from South America as the primary perpetrators of these crimes. These groups employ extensive preparation techniques, leveraging publicly available information and social media to track their targets. By analyzing patterns in the athletes’ routines, these groups can identify when homes are likely to be unoccupied.
“These homes are targeted for burglary due to the perception they may have high-end goods like designer handbags, jewelry, watches, and cash,” the FBI stated in its report.
In preparation, these theft groups conduct physical and technical surveillance, learning the layout of homes and identifying where valuables are stored. Their sophisticated tactics include bypassing alarm systems, using Wi-Fi jammers to disrupt security devices, covering cameras, and disguising their identities to evade detection.
“These preparation tactics enable theft groups to conduct burglaries in a short amount of time,” the FBI report emphasized.
While many of these crimes occur when homes are unoccupied, the FBI warned of a more alarming trend: burglars striking while residents are home.
“In these instances, individuals are encouraged to seek law enforcement help and avoid engaging with criminals, as they may be armed or use violence if confronted,” the report stated.
The possibility of confrontations with armed intruders highlights the need for enhanced security measures and vigilance among professional athletes.
