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The FBI has alerted major U.S. sports leagues about a series of break-ins linked to organized theft rings from South America specifically targeting the residences of prominent athletes.
According to the FBI’s findings, provided in a report acquired by ABC News, these homes are seen as lucrative targets due to the assumption that they contain valuable items such as designer bags, jewelry, high-end watches, and cash.
The recent theft of jewelry worth $30,000 from Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic’s Preston Hollow home exemplifies the growing trend. Thieves broke in while he was away, marking him as the latest victim in a spate of high-profile burglaries.
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The report’s preliminary findings indicated that from September to November, at least nine professional athletes were targeted in burglaries executed by organized theft rings. These incidents appear to be orchestrated with careful timing, often occurring when the athletes are away from home.
Methods employed by these groups include sophisticated tactics to circumvent security measures. According to the FBI, they may employ Wi-Fi jammers, disable alarm systems, obscure surveillance footage, and conceal their identities to execute these crimes swiftly.
A pattern of break-ins
Authorities from the NBA and NFL have issued advisories to players and coaches, underscoring the alarming trend of burglaries targeting high-profile athletes. They stress that the culprits are likely taking advantage of game schedules to plan their thefts strategically.
In a November memo, the NBA addressed the issue, highlighting the specific targeting of player homes and the organized nature of these crimes. The NBA stated, “The homes of professional athletes across multiple sports leagues have become increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups.”
Recent burglaries include:
– On September 15, NBA guard Mike Conley Jr. had his home burglarized while he attended a Minnesota Vikings game, resulting in the theft of jewelry.
– The following day, the home of NBA forward Karl-Anthony Towns was targeted, with losses exceeding $100,000.
– On October 6, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes reported a break-in just before a home game, expressing disappointment about the ongoing investigation.
– Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce also fell victim on October 7, as thieves stole $20,000 in cash during his game’s duration.
– Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis reported a burglary on November 2 while he was playing against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has since offered a $40,000 reward for the return of his stolen possessions.
– Most recently, on November 29, Dallas Stars player Tyler Seguin experienced a theft totaling $500,000 in watches during a home game.
– On December 23, Doncic’s home in North Dallas was again burglarized, with $30,000 worth of jewelry taken.
No players have been physically harmed
The organized and methodical approach to these burglaries has raised concerns among law enforcement about potential violence, as the crimes often occur while the residences are unoccupied. Nevertheless, there have been no reported injuries to the athletes, though security protocols are being urged for their protection.
The FBI warns those affected to seek assistance from law enforcement during any encounters with criminals, especially considering the possibility that they may be armed or willing to resort to violence if confronted.
Source
www.yahoo.com