Luka Doncic has become the latest pro athlete targeted by burglars. Thieves broke into the Dallas Mavericks superstar’s home in the wealthy Preston Hollow neighborhood late Friday night. They stole around $30,000 worth of jewelry. Luka and his family were not home at the time, and they are safe.
The thieves struck between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., while Doncic was away. They broke through a window in the master bathroom. The Mavericks had just left for a four-game stretch. and Luka was on a road trip when the crime occurred.
Investigation underway
Luka’s business manager, Lara Beth Seager, spoke out. “Luka filed a police report. The investigation is ongoing,” she said. The burglary serves as a frightening reminder of the growing trend of crimes targeting athletes.
Luka joins a long list of sports stars who have fallen victim to burglaries. NFL stars Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Joe Burrow all had their homes targeted in recent months. NBA players like Bobby Portis and Mike Conley Jr. also experienced break-ins.
Organized Crime behind the Break-Ins
The FBI has linked these burglaries to organized crime groups. They suspect “transnational South American Theft Groups” behind many of these break-ins. These groups are known for their sophistication, using advanced techniques like drones and signal-jamming devices. The FBI’s investigation shows that organized crime rings focus on specific items—cash, jewelry, luxury watches, and bags. These goods can quickly resell on the black market.
Athletes’ Homes are easy Targets
It’s not just NBA stars who are targeted. Thieves also broke into the home of NHL legend Tyler Seguin last month. Seguin, a seven-time NHL All-Star for the Dallas Stars, had his house burglarized in late November. This marks the second major burglary of a high-profile athlete in North Texas, highlighting a dangerous trend: criminals are zeroing in on the wealthy and famous.
Experts are growing increasingly concerned. William Cutrer, the owner of Onyx Solutions Group LLC, explained why these crimes are so tempting for thieves. “It’s easy money. It’s an easy win. They know the players aren’t home,” Cutrer said. His Texas-based security firm provides protection for high-profile clients, including athletes and politicians.
Cutrer told CBS News that these crimes aren’t new to Europe. “In London, thieves frequently target athletes’ homes. They track game schedules and know when the players will be away,” he said. Unfortunately, it seems that this disturbing trend has now made its way to the United States.
Security experts like Cutrer stress the importance of heightened protection. “We need a security presence around the clock. A low-profile approach can prevent incidents,” he added.
More Athletes urged to beef up Security
The recent wave of burglaries highlights the vulnerability of athletes. More players are now urged to take extra security measures. The FBI and sports leagues have issued alerts, advising teams to enhance home protection.
Who will be Next?
As more athletes face similar break-ins, the message is clear: take steps to protect your home, stay alert, and never take safety for granted.
This may just be the beginning, and more high-profile athletes may become targets in the coming months. The big question remains: who will be next?
