The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a stark warning to professional sports leagues regarding a troubling surge in burglaries targeting the homes of high-profile athletes. This comes as organized theft groups, reportedly originating from South America, have allegedly carried out a series of sophisticated home invasions in recent months, according to a Liaison Information Report obtained by ABC News.
The report details that at least nine professional athletes’ homes were burglarized between September and November 2024. These criminal operations are believed to have been meticulously planned, with perpetrators conducting both physical and technical surveillance. Publicly available information and athletes’ social media activity are often exploited to determine the best opportunities for a break-in.
The Tactics Behind the Burglaries
The FBI report highlights the advanced methods used by these organized theft groups, which include:
- Conducting thorough reconnaissance to identify targets and vulnerabilities.
- Utilizing Wi-Fi jammers to disrupt security systems.
- Bypassing alarm systems and disabling surveillance devices.
- Covering security cameras to conceal their identities.
“These preparation tactics enable theft groups to conduct burglaries in a short amount of time,” the report states.
FBI’s Recommendations
In response to the growing threat, the FBI has urged professional athletes to take proactive steps to safeguard their homes and personal information. Suggested measures include:
- Keeping detailed inventories of valuable items such as jewelry, watches, and designer goods.
- Exercising caution when sharing personal information or posting on social media, especially in real time.
- Avoiding posts that showcase private areas of their homes or signal that they are away.
The FBI emphasized the importance of heightened vigilance, warning athletes to look out for suspicious behavior and adopt robust security practices to deter potential burglars.
High-Profile Incidents
The report follows several high-profile cases of burglary involving well-known athletes. Among the most recent incidents is the break-in at Dallas Mavericks star Luka Don?i?’s home on December 27, during which $30,000 worth of jewelry was reportedly stolen. According to The Dallas Morning News, an intruder shattered the master bathroom window while Don?i? was away for a game.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow also became a victim earlier this month. While he was away, an intruder broke into his home, shattering a bedroom window and ransacking the room. Olivia Ponton, an influencer and model described as an employee of Burrow, discovered the damage and reported missing items to the authorities. Addressing the incident, Burrow expressed his unease, stating, “I feel like my privacy has been violated in more ways than one… That’s all I have to say about that.”
Earlier in the season, Kansas City Chiefs stars Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes experienced similar invasions. Their homes were burglarized within just two days of each other in October, further underscoring the scale and severity of the issue.
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A Growing Concern
The alarming trend has left both athletes and fans shaken. The targeting of professional players, whose schedules are often predictable due to games and public appearances, highlights the need for greater security measures.
The FBI’s warning serves as a crucial reminder for athletes to protect themselves and their families against these well-organized criminal networks.
As investigations continue, athletes and their representatives are being advised to remain vigilant and work closely with law enforcement to prevent further incidents. The rise in these sophisticated burglaries is a sobering development in the intersection of sports and personal security.
