Luka Doncic's home burglary raises urgent call for armed security for athletes

In the United States, a series of burglaries targeting professional athletes' homes have prompted the FBI to issue warnings about organized theft groups. Between September and November 2024, at least nine high-profile athletes, including Luka Doncic, Patrick Mahomes, and Travis Kelce, were victims of break-ins occurring while they were away at games. The homes of these athletes are perceived to contain high-value items, making them attractive targets for burglaries, which have increasingly been linked to sophisticated criminal organizations, particularly South American theft groups. These organized groups utilize advanced methods to conduct their operations, including social media monitoring to ascertain the lives of potential victims, thoroughly planning burglaries through pre-surveillance, and employing technology such as Wi-Fi jammers to disable security systems. The FBI's Liaison Information Report indicates that many of these incidents occur when athletes are traveling, reflecting a pattern that places both security and personal safety at risk. With the potential for escalating violence during these burglaries, the FBI has emphasized the importance of caution and reporting suspicious activities. In response to the rising number of burglaries, both the NBA and local police are advising athletes to increase their home security. This includes updated alarm systems, securing valuable items in safes, and investing in personal security services during road trips. The urgency of these recommendations was underscored by Luka Doncic's recent unfortunate experience, which coincided with a serious injury that left him sidelined from crucial games. The memo sent to players detailed proactive security measures that could prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place. The increase in burglaries targeting athletes presents a troubling trend that raises questions about the safety of their homes and families. It highlights the need for enhanced security measures among high-profile individuals as they risk falling victim to well-orchestrated criminal tactics. The crisis may potentially alter how athletes manage their home security arrangements, possibly leading to a common practice of employing armed guards or other protective measures. Overall, while the FBI continues its investigation into these burglary incidents, the sporting community remains on alert and is taking steps to mitigate these security risks.