FBI Warns Athletes As Organized Theft Rings Target High-Profile Homes

The FBI has issued a stark warning to professional athletes, urging them to remain attentive against organized theft groups increasingly targeting their homes. This alert comes in light of a problematic trend, which is highlighted by the recent burglary at NBA star Luka Doncic's residence. Criminals have been strategically striking the homes of high-profile athletes during away games or travel, capitalizing on their absence.

"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, as reported by ABC News. While most break-ins occur when the homes are unoccupied, some alarming cases involve athletes or their families being present. The agency advised against confronting burglars, warning that such encounters could escalate into violence.

Notable Athlete Victims

Victims of these thefts include not only Doncic but also NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, NBA players Joe Burrow and Bobby Portis Jr., and NHL’s Tyler Seguin. The FBI linked these incidents to sophisticated South American theft groups employing advanced tactics, including bypassing alarms, using Wi-Fi jammers, and masking their identities to evade detection.

Tactics of Sophisticated Theft Rings

These groups count on their thorough planning, leveraging both physical supervision and digital mechanisms. Social media has become a major tool for these criminals and often plays a crucial role, offering them insights into athletes' routines and the locations of valuables, making it more uncomplicated to target their residences.

In its response, the FBI has urged athletes to strengthen their home security, maintain detailed inventories of valuables, and exercise cautiousness on social media. Avoiding live updates or posts flaunting valuables and interior arrangements is critical, as these can unintentionally benefit burglars in planning such rip-offs.

This concerning trend extends beyond athletes. Beyoncé and Solange Knowles also fell victim to a robbery in July 2023, where thieves reportedly stole over $1 million in cash and valuables from a safe. Fortunately, their mother, Tina Knowles, was not home during the incident.

A Call for League-Wide Measures

The sports community is rattled by these targeted crimes and is now analyzing both personal security upgrades for league-wide measures to safeguard players. As these incidents grow, the need to prioritize safety both on and off the field has never been more apparent.