In response to a concerning trend of burglaries targeting professional athletes, the NBA has issued a memo to officials across all 30 teams, encouraging heightened security measures for players' homes. This move follows recent incidents involving notable players such as Bobby Portis and Mike Conley Jr., whose residences were recently burglarized during significant events.

The memo, which was obtained by the Associated Press, highlights the FBI’s findings indicating that some of these burglaries may be linked to 'transnational South American Theft Groups.' These groups are characterized as 'well-organized' and 'sophisticated,' utilizing advanced techniques such as pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices. To combat this threat, the NBA has recommended that players invest in updated alarm systems equipped with cameras that remain active while their homes are unoccupied, as well as storing valuables in secure safes.

Notably, Mike Conley Jr.'s home was targeted in September while he was attending a Minnesota Vikings game, and Bobby Portis Jr. experienced a similar theft on November 2 during the Milwaukee Bucks' game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Both incidents have drawn attention to a broader pattern of burglaries affecting other professional athletes, with River Hills Police Chief Michael Gaynor noting similarities to recent cases involving Kansas City Chiefs players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Mahomes and Kelce were victims of property crimes occurring just before and during a home game, with substantial cash stolen from Kelce's residence. The NBA's memo underscores the importance of players removing online listings of their properties and considering the use of protective guard services during extended absences.