Player Safety Concerns Spark NBA Memo on Home Security
The NBA has sent a memo to team officials warning about home invasions and thefts linked to “transnational South American Theft Groups.” The memo comes after Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley were victims of home invasions.
According to the memo, the FBI believes the theft rings are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” The groups are primarily focused on cash and items that can be resold on the black market, such as jewelry, watches, and luxury bags.
Conley’s home was broken into on September 15 while he attended a Minnesota Vikings game. The burglars left with jewelry. Portis’s home was broken into on November 2, and he has offered a $40,000 reward for information related to the incident.
The NBA’s memo provides guidance to players on how to improve home security, including installing updated alarm systems with cameras, keeping valuables in locked and secured safes, removing online real estate listings that may show interior photos of a home, and utilizing protective guard services during extended trips from the home. The league has also suggested having dogs assist with home protection.
The memo is the latest move by a professional sports league to raise awareness about player safety and home security. The NFL recently issued a similar warning memo to its teams after several high-profile home burglaries, including incidents involving Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.