In a troubling trend, the homes of prominent professional athletes are increasingly being targeted by organized theft groups. The recent charges against seven men, all from Chile, in connection with over $2 million in stolen valuables from the residences of sports stars has renewed concerns about the security vulnerabilities facing high-net worth individuals.
A Sophisticated Operation
According to the criminal complaint, the seven suspects, ranging in age from 20 to 38, were part of a South American theft group that orchestrated a series of calculated burglaries. Their alleged victims included star NFL players like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, as well as NBA forward Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks.
The FBI has also linked the crew to break-ins targeting unnamed athletes from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Memphis Grizzlies. In Portis’ case, the thieves brazenly posed for a photo with a safe and jewelry purportedly pilfered from the NBA star’s home, underscoring the audacity of their operation.
The Allure of Athlete Homes
Professional athletes have long been attractive marks for burglars due to the perception that their homes contain high-value items. From luxury watches and designer clothing to exclusive memorabilia, these residences are often seen as treasure troves by criminal elements.
The very public nature of pro sports also works against athletes when it comes to security. Their schedules, including road games and extended trips, are widely known, allowing thieves to strike when they’re least likely to be home. Social media posts can also inadvertently reveal details about their possessions and whereabouts to observant crooks.
FBI Warnings and the Burrow Burglary
The recent rash of high-profile incidents prompted the FBI to issue warnings to sports leagues last year about these organized theft groups. The bureau cautioned that athletes’ homes were being specifically targeted based on the anticipated value of the property inside.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow found himself among the victims of this crime wave. Three of the men charged in the current federal case have also been separately indicted for allegedly burglarizing Burrow’s home.
Protecting the Pros
So what steps can high-profile athletes take to safeguard their homes and valuables from this growing threat? Security experts recommend a multilayered approach:
- Robust home security systems with professional monitoring
- Regular security patrols and property checks during away games
- Secure storage for high-value items, either on-site or off-premises
- Vigilant social media hygiene to avoid revealing sensitive details
- Residential privacy assessments to shore up any weak points
Athletes and their representatives are also being encouraged to foster closer collaboration with law enforcement to stay apprised of any emerging threats or crime patterns that could put them at risk.
The Cost of Fame
For many pro athletes, the price of stardom appears to now include a heightened risk of being victimized by sophisticated robbery crews. The charges in this case may neutralize one theft group, but sports stars and their circles will need to remain hypervigilant. Expect leagues and teams to take a more proactive role in equipping their personnel with the knowledge and resources to keep themselves and their properties secure.
As Bobby Portis noted in his public plea for information, the items stolen often hold sentimental as well as monetary value. While the accused face up to 10 years in prison if convicted, the loss of “priceless” personal keepsakes is something no athlete should have to navigate. Implementing sensible, rigorous security measures is now simply part of the job for those in the pro sports spotlight.
