Imagine this: You’re a top athlete in the NFL or NBA, living in a sprawling mansion in a secure, gated community. You’ve worked hard for your success, but now you’re a target. Sophisticated thieves are watching your every move, sometimes through social media, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. This is not the plot of a Hollywood heist film—it’s the grim reality for several professional athletes in North America, including stars like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Bobby Portis, who have recently fallen victim to high-tech burglaries.
The Rise Of “Burglary Tourists”
Authorities link these robberies to organized crime rings called transnational South American Theft Groups. These groups, often referred to as “burglary tourists,” exploit legal tourist visas like the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to carry out their crimes. The scheme is chillingly effective: criminals enter the country legally on 90-day tourist visas, target wealthy neighborhoods, commit burglaries, and leave before they can be caught.
These groups specialize in affluent areas and often conduct detailed pre-surveillance. They monitor social media, using posts to determine when high-profile figures are away from home. Their tools include advanced technology to bypass security systems, making them difficult to detect and even harder to stop.
High-Profile Targets: Mahomes, Kelce, And Portis
Recent incidents highlight the severity of this threat. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs and Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks have all reportedly been targeted. For these NFL athletes, their fame makes them prime victims. Even gated communities and private security are not always enough to thwart the well-coordinated efforts of these criminal networks.
Also Read: NFL Issues “Security Alert” Across The League Regarding “Organized Criminals” Targeting Players
How Do These Crime Rings Operate?
The sophistication of these theft groups is their most concerning aspect. They blend seamlessly with legitimate tourists, making detection nearly impossible. Once inside the U.S., they:
- Identify wealthy targets using public records, social media, and sometimes even real estate listings.
- Perform reconnaissance to determine home layouts and security weaknesses.
- Use advanced tools and tactics to bypass security systems and alarms.
- Flee the country after executing their plans, leaving law enforcement with few leads.
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This approach has reportedly been active for at least five years, but it has intensified recently as the groups have refined their methods.
Why Athletes Are Vulnerable?
Athletes face unique risks due to their public profiles. Their schedules are often predictable, especially during game seasons, and their personal lives are frequently shared online, either by themselves or by fans. These factors make it easier for criminals to determine when their homes are unoccupied.
For example, a seemingly harmless Instagram story about a team trip or a vacation could tip off thieves. Even a tagged location in a post can provide enough information to launch an operation. This vulnerability isn’t just limited to athletes—it extends to anyone with wealth and a digital presence.
Steps to Counter the Threat
With this growing concern, sports leagues and security experts are sounding the alarm. Athletes and other high-net-worth individuals are urged to take proactive measures to protect themselves. These include:
- Upgrading Home Security: Investing in state-of-the-art alarm systems, motion-activated cameras, and reinforced entry points.
- Being Cautious Online: Avoiding real-time posts about travel or locations and limiting personal information shared publicly.
- Hiring Security Professionals: Employing private security to monitor properties during absences.
- Cooperation with Authorities: Reporting suspicious activities and working with law enforcement to address vulnerabilities.
The Broader Implications
The rise of “burglary tourists” exposes a troubling loophole in immigration and law enforcement systems. The use of legal tourist visas makes it challenging for authorities to identify and intercept criminals before they strike. This issue is now gaining attention, but solving it requires a collaborative effort from law enforcement, policymakers, and private security experts.
Also Read: Why Has The NFL Issued A New Security Warning For Players?
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