The NBA warned players to safeguard valuables against “well-organized, sophisticated” transnational crime rings, according to a memo obtained by NBC News on Friday, matching a similar caution issued earlier this week by the NFL.
Security officials with two of the world’s most prominent professional sports leagues are on edge following a series of Brazen home break-ins that’ve targeted some of their sports’ most well-known players.
Leon Newsome, the NBA’s senior vice president and chief security officer, told league presidents and general managers that league officials have been briefed by FBI agents, who warned that “professional athletes and other high-net-worth individuals” are increasingly being hit by ” transnational South American Theft Groups (“SATGs”).”
“These SATGs are reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices,” according to Newsome.
“The SATGs are primarily focused on cash and items that can be resold on the black market, such as jewelry, watches, and luxury bags. The FBI reported that, in most of the incidents, the homes were equipped with alarm systems that were not activated. The FBI also reported that the homes were all unoccupied and, in most cases, no dogs were present.”
The NBA memo did not name any victims.
But the missive was sent this week, in the wake of recently reported burglaries of Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby PortisMinnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr. and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
Earlier this week, the NFL told players to be mindful about publicly sharing any information about their whereabouts, homes and luxury items they might own.
“The homes of professional athletes across multiple sports leagues have become increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups,” the NFL memo said.
“It is important for players to maintain situational awareness, practice social media safety and implement home security measures to reduce risk of becoming a target.”