THE FBI has sent out a warning to star athletes to avoid posting their valuables on social media as they continue to be the target of burglaries.
The likes of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Luka Doncic are among a slew of high-profile victims in recent months.
2
2
Thieves target players because of their very public travel schedules and know almost exactly when they will be at home or on the road.
Now, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has sent out a memo to major sports leagues about this trend, which has been obtained by ABC News.
The report suggested athletes keep diligent records of valuables, inventory items, employ extra security and avoid real-time posts while away from home or on vacation.
It also suggested avoiding posting the inside of their homes or valued and luxury goods.
The ‘Information Liaison Report’ read: “These homes are targeted for burglary due to the perception they may have high-end goods like designer handbags, jewelry, watches, and cash.
“While many burglaries occur while homes are unoccupied, some burglaries occur 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 FBI also states that the crimes are likely driven by organized South American groups.
They are said to surveil properties, review security and target athletes they believe have expensive items and cash.
High-tech equipment such as drones and security-jamming devices are also used to carry out the jobs, disable alarms, cover cameras and hide their identities.
The string of robberies has allegedly affect “at least nine professional athletes” between September and November, according to the report.
Earlier this week, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had $40,000 of goods stolen from his home.
The theft included luxury handbags, electronic goods and cash.
A day later, Dallas Mavericks star Doncic had $30,000 worth of items stolen while he was playing on the road in Phoenix.
His business manager Lara Beth Seager said: “No one was home at the time, and thankfully, Luka and his family are safe.
FBI statement on pro athlete burglaries
The FBI has issued a information bulletin about burglaries targeting professional athletes. The agency wrote in part:
“These homes are targeted for burglary due to the perception they may have high-end goods like designer handbags, jewelry, watches, and cash.
“While many burglaries occur while homes are unoccupied, some burglaries occur 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.
“These preparation tactics enable theft groups to conduct burglaries in a short amount of time. Organized theft groups bypass alarm systems, use Wi-Fi jammers to block Wi-Fi connections and disable devices, cover security cameras, and obfuscate their identities.”
“Luka has filed a police report, and an investigation is ongoing.”
In October, Kansas City Chiefs teammates Mahomes and Kelce had their homes burglarized within an hour of each other.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis released footage of masked men breaking into his home and stealing $40,000 of valuables.
The spate of crimes has also hit Joe Burrow, who fought back tears when answering questions on the incident.
“I feel like my privacy has been violated in more ways than one,” he said.
“And way more is already out there than I would want out there and care to share.”
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25812808/Screenshot_2025_01_01_at_1.05.02_PM.png)
