In Kansas City, recent burglaries targeting professional athletes have raised concerns about the safety of these high-profile individuals. An international crime ring might be responsible for these crimes, but experts believe that local groups could also be involved. Players from both the NFL and NBA have been victims of theft recently, including Kansas City Chiefs players Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes.
According to a source familiar with the investigation, the FBI is looking into the possibility that these burglaries are linked to a transnational crime operation, potentially connected to South America. “It’s a transnational crime ring, and over the last three weeks, they’ve focused on NBA and NFL players, and it’s all over the country,” said the source.
Adding to the discussion, former FBI agent Michael Tabman suggested a simpler explanation may be at play. “It could be possible that you have some capable burglars in Kansas City with inside information,” he noted. He also mentioned that as these crimes gain media attention, they tend to inspire copycat incidents elsewhere.
Reports indicate that Kelce’s home was broken into on October 7, resulting in the loss of $20,000 in cash from his $6 million residence while he was preparing for a game against the New Orleans Saints. Just days later, a burglary was discovered at the home of Dallas Cowboys player Linval Joseph, and earlier this month, Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis was also a victim.
Experts noted that athletes are particularly vulnerable due to their valuables and accessible schedules. “In any professional football event, for instance, there’s 106 players who are not going to be home, not including coaches,” said former FBI agent Jeff Lanza. This makes these athletes prime targets for criminals. The NFL has issued warnings to players, highlighting that organized groups are specifically tracking player locations via social media and public records.
These groups may also conduct surveillance by posing as joggers, maintenance workers, or delivery people as a way to gain entry to players’ homes. “You’d have to have people that might do some surveillance to see the comings and goings of the potential targets,” Lanza explained.
Despite the involvement of the FBI suggesting a more organized crime effort, local cops could still handle simpler cases. “It could just be some individuals who know when the Chiefs are playing,” noted Tabman. “They see Mahomes and Kelce on TV, and they realize no one is home.” However, law enforcement remains hopeful regarding the investigation. Police have reportedly recovered a stolen watch from Kelce’s home, indicating progress towards catching those responsible for the alarming trend of burglaries targeting professional athletes.
