The FBI has issued a stark warning to sports leagues, highlighting the alarming trend of organized crime groups targeting the homes of professional athletes. This warning comes in light of a series of burglary incidents affecting prominent NFL and NBA players, including star athletes like Patrick Mahomes, Luka Dončić, and Travis Kelce.

According to an FBI report obtained by ABC News, these crime rings from South America meticulously research their targets by utilizing publicly available information and social media to monitor players’ routines and whereabouts. The report indicates that these groups believe athletes' properties may contain valuable items such as designer handbags, jewelry, and watches—assets they aim to seize when players are away for games.

Notably, the string of burglaries has led the NFL and NBA to issue security alerts to their players, cautioning them against sharing their locations on social media in real-time. The alerts warn athletes to enhance their home security and ensure valuable items are not visible from outside their homes. The LAPD has noted an increase in crimes linked to these sophisticated burglary networks, despite an overall decline in burglary rates in Los Angeles.

In several recent cases, including a break-in at Luka Dončić’s home that resulted in the theft of approximately $30,000 in jewelry, the thieves displayed a remarkable proficiency in bypassing alarm systems and disabling security cameras. These organized theft groups employ advanced tactics such as using Wi-Fi jammers to disrupt security devices and covering monitoring systems to escape detection.

As retired FBI Special Agent Bobby Chacon noted, “These are more organized rings, or cells of thieves, that are very highly trained.” Both the NFL and NBA are urging players to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around their residences.

These recent developments underline the growing threats faced by high-profile athletes, requiring increased attention and proactive measures to safeguard their homes. For more on this developing story, visit The Hill.