The NBA issued a memo to its teams to warn players about taking additional home security measures after the Milwaukee Bucks’ Bobby Portis and Mike Conley Jr. of the Minnesota Timberwolves recently had their residences burglarized.
The announcement informed teams and players that the FBI had linked recent high-level hacks to “transnational South American theft groups,” warning that the groups are “allegedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that involve advanced techniques and technology, including advance surveillance, drones and for jamming the signal,” the Associated Press reports.
Portis revealed that “several valuables” were taken from his home and he believed he was targeted because the break-in occurred during the Bucks’ game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 2, ESPN’s Jamal Collier reported.
I consider Milwaukee my home. My house was burgled last night while I was at work and many of my valuables were stolen. If you have any tips or information, send them to info@bobbyportis.com. Rewards for information leading to recovery or arrest! pic.twitter.com/ORNYHxNC1c
— Bobby BP Portis (@BPortistime) November 3, 2024
According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Conley’s home was broken into and his jewelry stolen on Sept. 15 while he was a guest at a Minnesota Vikings game.
The Portis burglary showed “similarities” to recent burglaries at the homes of Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, according to River Hills, Wis., Police Chief Michael Gaynor.
This week, the NFL issued a security alert to teams and the players’ union, warning that professional athletes in multiple sports and states are “increasingly targeted by organized and skilled groups” after being notified of the incidents by the FBI, ABC News reported. .
“Some theft groups have carried out extensive surveillance of targets, including attempting to deliver to homes and posing as groundskeepers or neighborhood joggers.
“Thieves got in through side doors, through balconies or through second-story windows. They targeted homes in remote areas and targeted master bedrooms and closets.”
NBA teams and players were informed in a league memo that the theft rings “primarily targeted cash and items that can be resold on the black market, such as jewelry, watches and luxury bags.” Kelce allegedly stole $20,000 from the home.
Among the measures the NBA recommended to its players were installing updated alarm systems with cameras and activating them whenever they leave their homes, keeping valuables locked and secured in safes, removing online real estate listings that show interior photos of the residence and employing . security guard services during a long absence from home.