The FBI is warning professional athletes about organized theft groups targeting their homes for high-value items like jewelry, designer handbags, watches, and cash.
In a report obtained by ABC News, the FBI revealed that at least nine professional athletes’ homes were burglarized between September and November 2024 by organized theft groups, primarily from South America... Continue reading here ▶
These groups reportedly used detailed planning, including physical and technical surveillance, to carry out the home invasions. They relied on publicly available information and social media activity to identify and target their victims.
How the Thefts Happen
According to the report, the thieves use advanced tactics to complete burglaries quickly. These include bypassing alarm systems, using Wi-Fi jammers to disable connections and devices, covering security cameras, and concealing their identities.
FBI’s Advice for Athletes
The FBI is urging professional athletes to take precautions against these threats, including:
- Keeping a record of valuable items.
- Being cautious on social media, such as avoiding real-time posts about vacations or sharing images that reveal private areas of their homes.
- Staying alert to suspicious behavior around their homes.
Recent Victims
One of the most recent incidents involved Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić. On December 27, $30,000 worth of jewelry was stolen from his home while he was playing in a game. The burglar broke a bathroom window to gain entry.
Earlier in December, the home of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was also broken into while he was away.
A shattered bedroom window and a ransacked room were discovered by influencer Olivia Ponton, who was at the property. Burrow later told reporters, “I feel like my privacy has been violated in more ways than one.”
This follows similar incidents in October when Kansas City Chiefs players Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes had their homes burglarized just days apart.
The FBI has yet to respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on these cases.
