Travis Kelce’s stolen watch was reportedly recovered in Providence, Rhode Island, earlier this week, following a burglary at the NFL star’s mansion in Leawood, Kansas last month. The incident, which left the Kansas City Chiefs tight end and his family shaken, involved a significant theft of property, including a high-end watch that had not been publicly disclosed until now.
According to sources familiar with the ongoing investigation, who spoke to ABC News on Friday, the stolen timepiece was quietly located in Providence. The specific details regarding the type of watch or its exact value remain undisclosed, but the recovery has shed new light on the nature of the burglary, raising questions about the burglars’ motives and whether they specifically targeted valuable, high-end items.
Authorities had previously announced that $20,000 in cash was stolen from Kelce’s residence during the break-in on October 7. At the time, they did not provide details about any additional items that may have been taken, leading many to speculate about the full extent of the loss. The discovery of the watch in Rhode Island suggests that the burglars may have targeted specific items of high value, adding a new layer of complexity to the investigation.
Sources indicated that they believe the burglary was not a random act but rather a well-planned operation aimed at Kelce. Investigators suspect that the criminals thoroughly surveilled the athlete’s property prior to the break-in, meticulously planning their heist to coincide with Kelce’s absence.
The burglary took place around 7:30 p.m. local time, just as Kelce’s team was taking the field against the New Orleans Saints — an ideal opportunity for thieves who knew exactly when Kelce would be away.
Interestingly, the burglary at Kelce’s home was not an isolated incident. Just two days earlier, burglars also targeted the home of Kelce’s teammate and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. Authorities have expressed concerns that the athletes’ public football schedules may have made them vulnerable to these types of crimes, as it is relatively easy for would-be burglars to determine when players will be away from their residences.
“There is a concern about what happens if the athlete or his/her family members are present,” a security source familiar with the investigation explained to ABC News. This concern underscores the dangers faced by public figures, whose movements are often closely tracked by fans and, unfortunately, by those with more sinister intentions.
The insider added that the burglars may have used deceptive tactics to gain familiarity with both Kelce and Mahomes’ homes and neighborhoods.
Reportedly, the thieves posed as delivery personnel, maintenance workers, or even joggers in order to scope out the residences, learn the layout of the properties, and identify potential vulnerabilities in security systems. This level of sophistication has made the investigation particularly challenging for law enforcement.
The Leawood, Kansas Police Department has remained tight-lipped about the case. Captain Jason Ahring told Page Six that they would not be releasing any information pertaining to the ongoing investigation and declined to comment further.
Similarly, a spokesperson for the Providence Police Department stated that they had no record or involvement related to the incident, suggesting that their role may have been limited to assisting in the watch’s recovery.
Neither Travis Kelce, 35, nor his representatives have made any public statements about the break-in or the recovery of the watch. Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes, 29, did briefly address the situation during a press conference earlier this month.
While careful not to reveal too much due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, Mahomes did express his frustration over the violation of privacy. “It’s obviously something you don’t want to happen to anybody — and obviously yourself,” Mahomes said, acknowledging how unsettling the experience has been.
Kelce’s girlfriend, pop superstar Taylor Swift, has also not publicly commented on the incident, but a source close to the singer revealed that Swift was “thankful that no one was hurt and that neither of them were home during the robberies.” The timing of the break-ins, occurring while the players were away on football-related activities, appears to have been a calculated move by the burglars, minimizing the risk of confrontation.
The timing of the burglary at Mahomes’ home adds an additional emotional element to the story. His mansion was broken into on October 5, while he was attending a celebration for Kelce’s 35th birthday.
The fact that the burglary took place during a moment of joy and camaraderie between teammates has made the violation even more personal.
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The investigation remains ongoing, with law enforcement continuing to piece together how the burglars were able to gain access to the athletes’ homes and whether the crimes were linked.
The recovery of Kelce’s watch in Rhode Island, however, has given investigators a crucial lead that may help unravel the broader network behind the thefts.
While the incidents have brought unwanted attention and stress to Kelce, Mahomes, and their families, the players are continuing to focus on their commitments to the Kansas City Chiefs.
As the investigation develops, it’s clear that both athletes are taking steps to enhance their personal security and ensure the safety of their loved ones.
The burglaries serve as a sobering reminder of the unique challenges faced by public figures whose fame can sometimes make them targets.
For now, Kelce and Mahomes are focused on their responsibilities on the field, while behind the scenes, investigators work to track down those responsible for these unsettling crimes. The hope is that with the recent recovery of the stolen watch, law enforcement is one step closer to bringing the burglars to justice.
