Los Angeles Rams star quarterback asked law enforcement to inspect his home for "weak spots" after 2024 saw a rash of reported international burglary rings robbing the dwellings of high-profile athletes, per TMZ.
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According to TMZ, Stafford is taking precautions to make sure that his L.A. home isn't targeted by the criminal rings that have hit other star athletes.
The news outlet says, "Law enforcement sources tell us league staffers and cops met at the Super Bowl champ's residence this month to scope out his current setup ... and provided tips and safety measures on what his family can do further to deter crooks from targeting his pad."
The FBI is investigating a wave of burglaries targeting NFL and NBA players, believed to be the work of an international organized crime syndicate, possibly linked to a South American crime ring, per an NFL security bulletin.
Apparently, the NFL personnel at Stafford's home (reportedly, the QB himself was not present) "specifically asked the cops about the South American burglary crews believed to be behind all the hits ... as well as how they can work together to make it more difficult for the criminals to execute their operation."
The NFL, NFL Players Association, and team security forces have also been monitoring the situation.
One source familiar with the investigation describes it as a transnational crime ring that has focused on professional athletes across the U.S. in recent weeks.
Notably, the homes of Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were burglarized on consecutive days last month. The Minnesota home of former Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph, now with the Dallas Cowboys, was also targeted in a string of burglaries last weekend.
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Sources say the thieves are non-confrontational and avoid burglarizing homes while the residents are present. They use public records to pinpoint players' addresses and then conduct thorough surveillance.
By tracking team schedules and players' social media accounts, the criminals wait until the homes are empty—often during games—before quickly gaining access and stealing valuables, including cash, jewelry, watches, and handbags, with a focus on master bedrooms and closets.
As the investigations into the robberies proceed, prominent athletes like Stafford are likely doing what they can to prevent their homes from being burglarized and law enforcement seems happy to help.
For more on the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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