Pro athletes are being targeted.
It has become a trend to break into the homes of pro athletes, including those of Kansas City Chiefs star players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Thieves have stolen priceless items, which (because of the source) likely have high price takes on the black market.
It’s a bold activity under any circumstance. Still, a telling incident occurred when the home of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrows was broken into while he was playing a Monday Night Football game.
The NFL reported that players across multiple sports leagues are being targeted, and the perpetrators seem to be using social media, public records, media reports, and surveillance to gather information on their targets. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr.’s home was burglarized in September while attending a Minnesota Vikings game. In November, Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis said his home had been broken into while playing in a home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In addition to the NFL, the NHL and NBA have issued statements intended to help players be more secure. One recommendation is to limit the amount of info shared on social media, and another is to ensure security cameras are in place at their properties.
At least one source connects this criminal organization to a South American crime ring that uses advanced techniques, such as drones, to gather information and surveil. No wonder, then, that the FBI has gotten involved.
