The NBA is advising its players to take extra steps to protect their homes after a number of high-profile burglaries. Some of the victims include Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr., and Kansas City Chiefs players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
A memo sent by the NBA to team officials, which was obtained by The Associated Press, stated that the FBI has linked some of the burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups.”
These groups are said to be very organized and use advanced techniques and technologies such as surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.
Conley’s house was broken into on September 15 while he was at a Minnesota Vikings game, and some jewelry was stolen, according to officials from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Portis said his home was robbed on November 2, and he has offered a $40,000 reward for any information about the crime.
Mahomes and Kelce had their homes broken into within days of each other last month, according to law enforcement reports. In response, the NFL also sent out a similar warning to its teams this week.
The NBA memo, which includes information from the FBI, says the burglars are mainly after cash and items that can easily be sold on the black market, such as jewelry, watches, and luxury bags.
The NBA has also been advising team security staff and recommended that players install updated alarm systems with cameras, use them whenever leaving their homes, and store valuables in locked safes.
The league also suggested players remove online real estate listings that might show the inside of their homes, use protective guard services when away for a long time, and even consider having dogs for additional protection.
Mahomes commented on the break-in, saying, “Obviously, it’s frustrating, disappointing, but I can’t get into too many of the details because the investigation is still ongoing. But, obviously, something you don’t want to happen to anybody, but obviously yourself.”
One of the break-ins involving the Chiefs players happened on game day, October 7, and Portis’s home was also robbed while he was playing a game. “They took most of my prized possessions,” Portis said.
