FBI Issues Warning on Burglaries After Mahomes, Luka, More Athletes' Homes Targeted

Amid a recent string of burglaries at the homes of professional athletes, the FBI is taking action.

Per Aaron Katersky and Josh Margolin of ABC News, the FBI has issued a formal warning to sports leagues about professional athletes being targeted by organized theft groups who burglarize their homes while they're playing games or traveling.

"These homes are targeted for burglary due to the perception they may have high-end goods like designer handbags, jewelry, watches and cash," the FBI said in a Liaison Information Report.

The report stated that "at least nine professional athletes" had their homes burglarized between September and November 2024. Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and, most recently, Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Dončić are among those who have been victims of burglaries. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr. and Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis also had their homes burglarized.

The FBI stated that organized theft groups from South America use an extensive series of tactics to commit these robberies, including using publicly available information and social media to determine a pattern of life for a prospective victim. They conduct physical and technical surveillance in preparation in order to learn 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 FBI report said.

The FBI also warned about the possibility of these burglaries escalating beyond simply waiting until the homes are unoccupied.

"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 report stated.

The FBI also encouraged athletes to report any suspicious activity and use caution when posting on social media, among other safety measures.