HIGH-PROFILE robberies that left NFL superstars like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce floored are performed by skilled overseas gangs using technological trickery to force their way in, an expert has told The U.S. Sun.

The Kansas City duo was rocked last October when thieves broke into their palatial pads and stole a treasure trove of Super Bowl memorabilia and expensive jewelry.

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SUPERSTAR TARGETS

The U.S. Sun exclusively revealed that Kelce was heartbroken after some cherished jerseys and items were snatched just hours after close pal Mahomes’s home was ransacked.

Cincinnati quarter-back Joe Burrow also had his home broken into while playing a Monday night football game in Dallas.

Earlier this week, four men from Chile were indicted by a grand jury in Clark County and accused burglarizing multimillion-dollar homes including Burrow’s, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

The Bengals star was thankful for local cops recovering several items, but the shock to the system was enormous.

The NFL stars, however, weren’t alone.

NHL and NBA icons were also targeted, with sporting authorities taking the unprecedented step of warning athletes to be on their guard in the wake of attacks from “highly sophisticated” gangs.

Dallas Mavericks ace Luka Doncic had $30,000 worth of jewelry taken, while Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks and Timberwolves guard Mike Conley also had their homes ransacked while on the road.

Law enforcement expert Jeff Wenninger has spent three decades attempting to infiltrate sophisticated crime groups and has revealed to The U.S. Sun the meticulous, quickfire methods used to ransack the homes of the rich and famous.

The former high ranking LAPD officer boasts extensive experience with dignitary protection, elite units, and overseeing high-profile security details.

Working in the Wilshire Division in Los Angeles, which has wealthy and economically challenged areas, the now-retired expert targeted burglaries and follow-home robberies.

He then educated businesses and residents on crime prevention techniques.

“Without making an arrest, we saw crime reductions simply by changing the environment—improving lighting, trimming bushes, or using more secure locks,” he said.

ORGANIZED CRIMINALITY

Wenninger, who is now the CEO of Law Enforcement Consultants, says the majority of gangs are eliminated from Central and South America.

In his experience, wily Colombian and Chilean gangs take full advantage of 90-day visas to come in and out of the United States with minimum fuss and maximum results.

Peruvian and Venezuelan criminals have also come to the party, according to Weninger.

“It comes down to easy access and historical success,” the expert continued.

“This has been happening since the 80s with relatively little detection or enforcement. The mobility and sophistication of these groups make them highly effective.”

A former NYPD cop, who spoke to The U.S Sun on the condition of anonymity because he’s still actively working, said the gangs tend to move around a lot, making them harder to catch.

“Once they realize they’ve created a wake of reported crimes, they’ll lay low or relocate temporarily,” he said.

“The current immigration picture in the U.S. also plays a role. Some countries, like Venezuela or Colombia, have let individuals leave, knowing they’ll flee to the U.S. and no longer be a problem in their home countries.”

“Some have been released from prisons in their home countries with the understanding they’d leave for the U.S.”

Wenninger, meanwhile, points out that, especially with high-profile sports stars, it’s easy to decipher their whereabouts.

With just one look at the NFL calendar, for example, they will know precisely when Mahomes and Kelce will be out of town.

“Criminals put two and two together,” he said, “if you’re overseas, your house is vulnerable unless someone stays there.”

Once the target is identified, the gangs get to work.

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SERIOUS MEASURES

Wenninger thinks signal jammers were used to easily evade any in-built protection, allowing the thieves to dash in and out.

Signal jamming is the deliberate interference or disruption of communication signals, typically wireless ones like radio waves, GPS signals, or cellular networks.

The purpose of jamming is to block or degrade the performance of the targeted communication system, making it difficult or impossible for devices to communicate effectively.

This can be done using various technologies, such as radio frequency (RF) jammers, which emit signals that disrupt the frequencies used by the target devices.

Signal jamming is often used in military or security contexts, but it can also be illegal in many places, significantly if it disrupts public or emergency communication systems.

It’s different from hacking, in that it doesn’t involve accessing or modifying the communication data—it just floods the airwaves with interference.

“Many burglary victims report getting notifications from their alarm systems while they’re away,” explained Wenninger, “but in the days leading up to the burglary, they may have noticed issues with their alarm.”

“That’s because these groups test their jamming equipment beforehand.”

These homes are an easy target.

Former LAPD officer Jeff Wenninger

CALL TO AUTHORITY

The criminals, continued Wenninger, would disguise themselves as construction workers, gardeners, or even joggers to allow them to fully use the joints they aim to ransack.

Once inside, there is no messing around.

“They just want to get in and out,” he stressed. “They don’t want to be there any more than 10 or 15 minutes.”

To stay safe, the NFL urges players to be extra cautious with their social media posts – no flaunting luxury items like jewelry or designer clothes – and to beef up their home security.

Recommendations include high-tech surveillance systems, deadbolt locks, and even hiring trusted house sitters.

Wenninger, however, wants high-powered commissioners like Roger Goodell from the NFL and Adam Silver from the NBA to make more of an effort to protect their talent.

“At the very least, they could provide education on security best practices,” he insisted. “There are also potential liability concerns for the organizations.”

While The U.S Sun has spoken to NFL and NBA players who’ve invested heavily in beefed-up home security in the wake of the slew of break-ins, there are basic steps everyone can take to ensure the thieves are kept firmly at bay.

Solid doors with bolt locks, steel-framed doors, and shatterproof glass. Fencing should not obstruct visibility. Proper lighting, motion detectors, and strategic landscaping—such as thorned bushes near entry points—can also help deter criminals.

On the technological side, a multi-factor authentication security system is ideal, including something you know (a code), something you have (a key or passcard), and something you are (fingerprint or eye recognition). High-level security settings should be activated when residents are away for extended periods.

Common sense, stressed Wenninger, should also come into play.

Access to the home should be limited, and background checks should be undertaken on housekeepers, landscapers, or anyone with entry privileges.

Anonymity on social media is also absolutely key—posting about travel makes “homes an easy target.”

“Inform trusted neighbors when you’re away,” he said.

“Community vigilance can deter crime. For example, if it snows while you’re away, have someone shovel the driveway so it doesn’t look empty. Good neighbors will report anything suspicious.”

“They see success and replicate it. Athletes today make more money, drive luxury cars, and own expensive jewelry – they are ideal targets.”

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