NEW YORK — The FBI is issuing a formal warning to sports leagues about organized theft groups targeting professional athletes.
The warning follows a rash of burglaries, beginning in September, at the homes of professional athletes while they are playing games or traveling.
Last week, there was a break-in at the residence of Luka Doncic, the guard for the Dallas Mavericks. Additionally, the properties of Kansas City Chiefs’ stars Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes were also targeted in similar incidents.
According to a report obtained by ABC News from the FBI, these homes are singled out for burglary because it is believed that they may contain luxury items such as designer handbags, jewelry, watches, and cash.
While many burglaries take place when homes are empty, there are instances where burglaries occur while the residents are present. In such cases, it is advised that individuals seek assistance from law enforcement and refrain from confronting the intruders, as they could be armed and prone to using violence.
According to the FBI, organized theft groups from South America conduct physical and technical surveillance in preparation for these burglaries, using publicly available information and social media to identify a pattern of life for a prospective victim. They often know in advance where valuables are kept in a home.
“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 document said.
The FBI encouraged more reporting by athletes of suspicious activity and suggested athletes keep records of valuables, inventorying items and their whereabouts, employ additional security and use caution on social media, to include refraining from posting pictures of valuables, the interior of one’s home, and real-time posts when on vacation.
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