Wed Nov 27 00:10:00 UTC 2024: **NBA and NFL Players Targeted in Wave of Burglaries by Sophisticated Theft Rings**
**[City, State] –** High-profile athletes in the NBA and NFL are the latest victims of a series of sophisticated burglaries linked to transnational South American theft rings, prompting warnings from both leagues. The FBI has connected the break-ins, which targeted players’ homes, to well-organized criminal groups employing advanced techniques including surveillance drones and signal jammers.
The NBA issued a memo to teams detailing the FBI’s findings, revealing that the thieves primarily target cash and easily resold items like jewelry, watches, and luxury handbags. The memo urged players to enhance home security measures, including installing updated alarm systems with cameras, utilizing safes for valuables, and removing interior photos from online real estate listings. The league also recommended employing security services during absences and even utilizing guard dogs.
Among the victims are Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis, who offered a $40,000 reward after his home was burglarized on November 2nd while he was playing a game; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr., whose home was robbed on September 15th; and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, whose homes were targeted within days of each other last month, also while they were at games. Mahomes described the experience as “frustrating and disappointing,” while Portis stated that “most of [his] prized possessions” were stolen.
The NFL also issued a similar warning to its teams following an FBI briefing on November 15th. Both leagues are working to advise players on preventative measures and assist in ongoing investigations.
First Piper 