The NFL is warning team security directors and the players' union about recent burglaries targeting professional athletes' homes.
The bulletin obtained by Newsweek warns that "organized and skilled groups" are burglarizing the homes of professional athletes "across multiple sports leagues."
"Law enforcement officials have noted these groups appear to exploit team schedules to target athletes' homes on game days," the bulletin said. "It is important for players to maintain situational awareness, practice social media safety and implement home security measures to reduce the risk of becoming a target."
The FBI is investigating the incidents as international organized crime, according to a report by NFL.com. Newsweek reached out to the FBI for comment.
Full List of Athletes Being Targeted
The Missouri home of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was broken into on October 6. The Cass County Sheriff's Office described the incident as a first-degree burglary in an incident report obtained by Newsweek.
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce's home in Leawood, Kansas was broken into the next day. The Chiefs were reportedly playing a game against the Saints at Arrowhead Stadium at the time of the break-in. The burglars stole $20,000 in cash.
"Leawood Police Department will not have any comment on any open investigations. We do not want to compromise any investigative leads that might have been developed by detectives," the Leawood Police Department told Newsweek.
Linval Joseph, a Dallas Cowboys and former Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle, was also the target of a burglary. The incident happened on Monday at his residence in Sunfish Lake, Minnesota.
"This is an active investigation. Therefore, reports are unable to be released at this time," the West St. Paul Police Department told Newsweek.
Several players in the NBA have also reported home burglaries recently. In November, the home of Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis was burglarized. Two months before that incident, burglars broke into the home of Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley and stole jewelry.
What does the NFL bulletin say?
The NFL bulletin claims that the groups are gathering information on potential victims from public records, media reports and social media.
"Some groups also conduct extensive surveillance on targets, their residences, neighborhoods and security measures," the bulletin said. "Surveillance tactics have included attempted home deliveries and posing as grounds maintenance or joggers in a neighborhood."
There are reports of burglars entering through side doors, balconies or second-floor windows, according to the NFL bulletin. The bulletin said burglars have scaled walls or used patio furniture or ladders to gain access. Glass was reportedly broken in several cases.
"Thieves have focused on master bedrooms and closet areas, looking for high-end jewelry, handbags, cash and watches," the bulletin said. "They have also targeted safes and office areas looking for small valuables and cash."
The NFL bulletin also gave players several recommendations related to social media. Players were advised to avoid updating social media with daily activities until the end of the day, posting photos of "expensive items" and sharing images or comments about their residence or hotel accommodations. The bulletin also told players to "be wary of unknown individuals trying to gain information about your location or residence."
The bulletin provides multiple home security recommendations, including installing a "comprehensive" home security system, motion sensor lights and doors with deadbolt locks and reinforced frames.
Athletes who believe they have been burglarized are being asked to contact their local police and avoid entering the residence.
Do you have a story Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.
English (US) ·