The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a significant warning to professional athletes, including Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, amid a string of burglaries on their homes.
Since September, a large number of prominent pro athletes have come been the victims of home burglaries: Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic, Milwaukee Bucks guard Bobby Portis and Minnesota Timberwolves standout Mike Conley.
In a report passed over to ABC News, the FBI warned pro athletes that the burglaries have been conducted by organized crime groups who do in-depth research and homework on the houses beforehand, knowing that luxurious valuables and cash will be available in the unguarded houses:
“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.”
The FBI has issued a formal warning to sports leagues about organized theft groups targeting professional athletes. https://t.co/jTopV275PA
— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) December 30, 2024
Patrick Mahomes’ residence was burglarized after midnight on Oct. 6, the day before the Chiefs hosted the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium on “Monday Night Football.”
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Kelce’s place was broken into and burglarized on the day of the game, with the thieves stealing $20,000 in cash and a luxurious watch. However, police announced last month that the watch was recovered.
In the case of Joe Burrow, his home was burglarized during the team’s Dec. 9 road game against the Dallas Cowboys on ‘Monday Night Football.’ Amid the string of robberies, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa told reporters that he hired armed security to protect his home and dared potential thieves to try.
Patrick Mahomes & Pro Athletes Should Tighten Up Home Security
Unfortunately, professional criminals can still exploit top-of-the-art technology like Wi-Fi, cameras, cellphones and other security measures. Clearly, technology isn’t alone to protect the homes of pro athletes.
These athletes have to look at other ways to beef up the home security, whether that means hiring more guards or installing more obstacles like higher walls, fences, keypads, etc.
