The FBI has expanded risk warnings to professional athletes in the United States who have become targets of robberies by a South American gang that uses public information to locate its victims and enter their homes in search of highly valuable objects.
The FBI warned sports leagues about criminal organizations that are targeting professional athletes after a series of robberies in the homes of prominent players of the NFL and the NBA.
Athletes' homes are targeted because of the perception that they may contain high-value assets such as designer handbags, jewelry, watches and cash, the FBI said in a Liaison Information Report obtained by ABC News.
The NFL and NBA have already issued security alerts to their players after the thefts, some of which occurred when the players were away with their teams in road games.
The NFL alert indicated that the homes of professional athletes in various sports have become “increasingly targets for robberies by organized and skilled groups.”
Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks was the most recent athlete to fall victim. Lara Beth Seager, the prominent guard's business manager, informed several media outlets on Saturday that there was a burglary at Doncic's home. Seager said no one was home at the time of the incident Friday night, and Doncic filed a police report.
Standout quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City and Joe Burrow of Cincinnati, along with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, were victims, as were NBA players Bobby Portis of Milwaukee and Mike Conley Jr. of Minnesota.
organized groups of South American thieves They use public information and social media to identify athletes' habits and track their entrances and exits, the FBI report said.
The groups use technology that allows them to bypass alarm systems, block wireless internet connections and disable devices, cover security cameras and hide their identities.
They encouraged athletes to report suspicious activity, keep records of valuables and where they are kept, employ extra security and exercise caution on social media.
The FBI also suggested that athletes avoid posting photos of valuables, the inside of their homes, and streaming posts while on vacation.